Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
Berseem Clover
Berseem clover produces nitrogen-rich biomass and can regrow after cutting when cultivar and management permit. It is generally moisture-demanding, and cold tolerance varies substantially among cultivars.
Profile
- Growth habit
- Mostly erect, branching from the base, with hollow stems.
- Height
- Can reach approximately 4 feet under favorable conditions.
- Soil pH
- Oregon State lists a suitable range of approximately 6.5–7.5.
- Roots
- Relatively shallow taproot system.
- Seeding
- Oregon State lists 8–12 lb/acre drilled or 15–20 lb/acre broadcast for pure stands.
- Nitrogen
- Effective nodulation supports biological nitrogen fixation; biomass removal exports some of that nitrogen.
Water & soil context
- Moisture (VWC)
- The cited publications do not provide numeric volumetric water content sensor targets.
- Salinity tolerance
- Oregon State describes greater salinity tolerance than red clover or alfalfa, without a numeric threshold.
- Drought tolerance
- Less drought tolerant than alfalfa; productivity responds strongly to available moisture.
Illustrative monitoring-depth band
3–8 in
Editorial placement example, not a validated optimum or total rooting depth. Confirm the site's root distribution and soil horizons; multiple depths may be needed.
Tolerates wet, poorly drained soils. Oregon State's broad rainfall adaptation figure is not a crop irrigation requirement or sensor setpoint.
Problems to watch
- Most cultivars are frost sensitive; avoid generalizing cold tolerance from a single cultivar.
- Crown and root diseases can affect susceptible cultivars.
- Root-knot nematodes and regrowth after incomplete termination require attention.
Stress signs
- The sources describe cold injury but do not provide a reliable visual symptom checklist for distinguishing cold, water, and disease stress.
Where you'll find it
- Green manure
- Forage
- Cover crop
More plants, natives & crops
Published botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.