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.

farm rescue
By Tara Desmond October 10, 2025
When Crisis Strikes, Farm Rescue Steps Up for Farm Families in Illinois
Outline of Illinois; surrounded by a green background with vegetables.
By Lyndi Allen October 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest nutrition provision in the Farm Bill, linking food policy and farm policy.
Cliff Lane with Tara
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
While harvesting Cliff talks about his operation and conservation practices
Maren outside Franklin, IL
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
Maren, from Norway, tells her story about becoming an exchange student to a Franklin, Illinois family - the Thompsons
farmers in dc
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
An Illinois farmer - Lance -- tells the story of his experience in IL Corn's GROW Program.
U.S. Capitol Building with cloudy sky overhead.
By Lyndi Allen October 1, 2025
When the federal government shuts down, farmers feel the effects in their fields, finances, and futures. Government programs through the USDA can hurt farmers when not operating.
Show More