Tag Archive for: Microclover

Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover

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Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover: It’s fair to say that in many aspects of modern life we are encouraged to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment.

That’s certainly the case for most Turf Managers across the sporting spectrum, together with landscapers and those looking after green community spaces, some of whom face increasing pressure to operate more sustainably. Whether it’s for environmental reasons or a result of budget constraints, reducing fertiliser applications could be considered. With Microclover® from DLF, this can be achieved without a compromise on turf quality.

Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover

Reduce inputs, not quality, with Microclover

Microclover® is a legume with the natural ability to fix nitrogen from the air. To capitalise on this benefit, DLF developed a unique small leaved variety, specifically for use in professional grade lawns and surfaces. When sown alongside more traditional varieties, Microclover® will contribute to a dense, uniform appearance and a harder-wearing, more drought-tolerant sward that stays greener for longer.

Its own natural fertiliser reserves feed the Microclover® and the surrounding companion plants via root nodules that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a natural fertiliser, improving nutrient availability and reducing the risk of leeching. This process continues throughout the growing season until the first frost.

The competitiveness of Microclover® is another benefit for less intensively managed areas, quickly filling gaps to lock out weeds and reduce the need for herbicides.

Microclover® is incorporated into the PM26 and PM27 mixtures from DLF’s Masterline collection, these two formulations specifically developed to reduce input costs and be kinder to the environment by eliminating the need for excessive fertiliser, water and herbicides. Incorporating 5% Microclover®, both PM26 Ecosward and PM27 Ecosward Plus offer low-maintenance yet tolerant and visually attractive swards, ideal for landscape applications.

Self-sustaining Microclover® is just one of a number of sustainable seed developments borne from DLF’s global research and breeding programmes, seeking to meet the needs of today and those of the future. More information can be found by visiting www.dlf.co.uk

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Microclover could prove key

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Microclover could prove key: As drought conditions continue and more restrictions come into force around water usage over the coming weeks, it is hard not to notice that many local authority sports grounds, gardens and public spaces have fallen victim to heat, particularly in terms of visual merit.

However, you may have noticed that amongst the current brown and baron land, patches of green remain – clover – which, as DLF explain, generates its own nitrogen from the atmosphere making it one of the most tolerant varieties to drought and other high stress environments.

Microclover could prove key

Microclover could prove key

Alongside more frequent periods of sustained hot and dry weather, the rise in fertiliser prices is driving seed producers to look for varieties that can be maintained with a more sustainable nitrogen programme. The unique root nodules on clover are formed by the Rhizobium bacteria, capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a natural fertiliser available for the clover as well as the companion grasses. Sourced in this way, the supply will also be gradual and ongoing, contributing to more sustained growth when compared to the ‘flush’ that can occur when larger quantities of nitrogen are applied as part of a managed feeding programme.

Microclover is a special bred dwarf white clover which joins in well with other turf species. The smaller leaves and lower growth habit contribute to a dense, uniform appearance as well as delivering strong wear qualities and heat/drought tolerance. All of this means that the inclusion of Microclover can result in a sward that suffers from less weed and disease invasion, and one that requires less water, fertiliser and ultimately cost, to sustain. In trials conducted by the STRI, Microclover is proven to deliver enhanced coverage and improved colour when compared to pure grass swards.

Masterline’s PM82 Microclover Sport mixture from DLF, has been specifically blended with these benefits in mind. PM82 improves turf quality whilst being kinder to the environment thanks to its reduced requirements for herbicide and fertiliser. Alongside Microclover, PM82 also features 40% Double 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrass. The deeper rooting nature of DLF’s 4turf® varieties means it can better withstand drought-like conditions and remains green even when the plant above ground is starved of water.

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