What are the planting methods and precautions for white clover?
White clover is a plant with strong vitality, and it is now cultivated in many parts of the world. Its main value is as forage grass, and its economic value cannot be ignored, which is why it attracts many people to grow it. Before planting it, you need to have an in-depth understanding of its planting techniques.
How to plant white clover
Clover can be planted on a large scale by sowing. You can choose to sow in spring. Before sowing, water the soil, deep plow once, then sow, and cover the surface of the seeds with a very thin layer of soil. New seedlings will grow in about half a month. In addition, clover has a strong self-seeding ability. After one year of sowing, it can be harvested multiple times, continuously growing new plants and maintaining relatively good coverage.
White clover planting methods
1. Land preparation and fertilization. Because white clover seeds are relatively small and fine, their competitiveness is inherently weak, and with the presence of weeds in the surrounding environment, growth will certainly be relatively slow. Before sowing the seeds, prepare the land and remove those weeds completely. At the same time, apply base fertilizer; about 25 kg of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate fertilizer can be applied per mu. For some soils, such as those lacking organic matter, manure should also be applied. For soil that is too acidic, 50 kg of lime can be added.
2. Seed treatment. Before sowing, treat the seeds by mechanical methods or by soaking and corroding them with concentrated sulfuric acid. When soaking in sulfuric acid, 20-30 minutes is enough. Remove them, rinse them clean with clear water, and sow after drying them. In addition, before sowing, the seeds can be mixed with clover rhizobia, which is beneficial for seed germination and plant growth.
3. Soil selection. White clover seeds do not have high soil requirements. It is still best to choose soil rich in calcium and humus and with good drainage, as this can provide the seeds with more nutrients and a good growing environment.
4. Seed planting. Sowing time and methods: sowing can be done in spring or autumn, either alone or mixed, and either in rows or by broadcasting.
5. Sowing depth. The planting depth is about 1-2 cm. Do not make it too deep, otherwise it will not emerge easily. Of course, appropriate adjustments should also be made according to the soil texture and dry or wet conditions.
Precautions for white clover
1. White clover enters dormancy in summer, and the leaves will wilt to a certain extent. Gardeners should not worry, nor rush to water and fertilize. Just let it rest quietly. After summer, white clover will grow new shoots again.
2. White clover has quite a few diseases, including powdery mildew, spore anthracnose, gray mold, Phoma black stem disease, Ascochyta leaf spot, downy mildew, and rust. Therefore, weed frequently and turn and disinfect the soil before sowing.
Common pests of white clover and their control
1. Leafhopper pest. Control method: inspect in late April. If larvae are found, spray with 50% fenitrothion 1500x solution, or with pyrethroid pesticides at 2000x solution. Spray evenly, covering the front and back of leaves and all parts of the plant, inside and out.
2. White butterfly pest. Control method: spray Bacillus thuringiensis during the larval damage period to kill them. You can also sprinkle 2.5% trichlorfon powder in the morning when the dew has not yet dried.
3. Cutworm pest. Control method: in addition to the commonly used poisonous liquid bait trapping, carbofuran granules can be applied in furrows or holes at 1500-2000 grams per mu. This pesticide has a long residual effect, and after application, plants can avoid damage for 7-8 weeks.
4. Tobacco cutworm pest: Control method: the most suitable growth temperature for tobacco cutworm is 15-25°C. Spray in the evening or morning. You can use 2.5% trichlorfon powder or 5% fenitrothion powder at 22.5-30 kg/hectare, or spray with 90% trichlorfon crystals at 1000-1500x solution, 50% dichlorvos emulsion at 1000-2000x solution, or 50% fenitrothion emulsion at 1000x solution at 50-100 kg/mu.
The planting method of white clover is relatively simple. In planting and handling, you need to do a good job in site selection and land preparation, and then disinfect the seeds. In the later stages of planting, pest and disease control needs to be strengthened. Only in this way can it grow healthily.