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Nutritional characteristics of kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.) compared with other forage legumes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

D. W. Allinson
Affiliation:
Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06268, U.S.A.
G. S. Speer
Affiliation:
Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06268, U.S.A.
R. W. Taylor
Affiliation:
Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06268, U.S.A.
K. Guillard
Affiliation:
Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06268, U.S.A.

Extract

Kura or Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.) is a perennial, rhizomatous legume indigenous to Caucasian Russia and adjacent regions (Kannenberg & Elliott,1962; Bryant, 1974). Those agronomic characteristics that lend it potential significance, namely an extensive root-rhizome system, winter-hardiness, resistance to numerous and serious clover pests, and the production of nectar-rich flowers, were enumerated by Parker & Allen (1952). These authors also pointed out that usage of kura clover was hampered by ineffective nodulation. However, in recent years commercial and effective inoculant preparations have become available. Consequently, it has been suggested that kura clover could have potential as a pasture legume and for soil conservation purposes (Bryant, 1974; Spencer et al.1975). Pertinent literature on kura clover is scanty. The present study evaluated the nutritional characteristics of kura clover relative to otherforage legumes.

Type
Short Notes
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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References

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