Go Green This St. Patrick’s Day with Balansa Clover as a Cover Crop

Tara Desmond
March 13, 2025

St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating the color green, so what better time to highlight Balansa Clover—a powerhouse cover crop that keeps your fields lush, healthy, and full of benefits!

Why Choose Balansa Clover?

Balansa Clover is a nitrogen-fixing, fast-growing legume that enhances soil health while offering excellent forage options. It thrives in a variety of conditions and provides multiple benefits for farmers:

  • Soil Health – Improves soil structure, reduces compaction, and enhances organic matter.
  • Nitrogen Fixation – Can fix up to 100-150 lbs of nitrogen per acre, reducing fertilizer costs.
  • Weed Suppression – Dense growth helps shade out weeds, reducing herbicide needs.
  • Erosion Control – Forms a thick mat that prevents soil erosion and improves water retention.
  • Livestock & Wildlife Benefits – Provides high-quality forage for grazing animals and attracts pollinators.

Seeding Guide for Balansa Clover

To get the most out of Balansa Clover, proper seeding is key.

  • Seeding Method: Drill or broadcast (can also be frost-seeded for early establishment).
  • Seeding Rate: 3-5 lbs/acre if drilled; 5-8 lbs/acre if broadcast.
  • Seeding Depth: ¼ to ½ inch deep—shallow is best for good germination.
  • Seeding Dates:
  • Spring Planting: February to April (ideal for frost seeding).
  • Fall Planting: August to October (for overwintering and spring growth).

Balansa Clover is a perfect fit for farmers looking to improve soil health while keeping their fields greener—both in color and sustainability. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, consider adding a little extra luck to your farm with Balansa Clover.

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