METHODS OF ROSE CLOVER ESTABLISHMENT INTO BARMUDAGRASS SOD

Rose clover (Trifolium hirtum All.), a cool-season annual, has been gr own on rangelands of California since the late 1940s. 'Overton R18' is the first rose clover cultivar selected for the southeastern USA. Pla nting method and seeding rate information for rose clover in pasture s ystems prevalent to this area of year-round rainfall are not available . The objective of this study was to evaluate planting methods and see ding rates for successful overseeding of rose clover into a 'Coastal' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] sod. Planting methods evalu ated were: (i) undisturbed sod, drill seed, (ii) undisturbed sod, broa dcast seed, (iii) drill seed, apply grass desiccant postemergence, and (iv) disk sod 1 to 2 in. deep, broadcast seed, and harrow to cover se ed. Seeding rates within each planting method were 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, a nd 24 lb/acre. Seedling density was determined approximately 6 wk afte r planting and dry matter production by two harvests per growing seaso n. Drilling rose clover in an undisturbed or desiccated sod or broadca sting on a shallow dished sod resulted in the best seedling densities and yield. Influence of seeding rate on seedling density and yield was linear (P < 0.01). A seeding rate of 12 lb/acre was an acceptable com promise between seed cost and forage production. If rose clover is man aged for reseeding and first year forage production is not critical, t hen seeding rates of 6 to 8 lb/acre are satisfactory.