There are several benefits of growing clover in pecan orchards. If your pecan trees are particularly young, there is plenty of orchard floor space left to be utilized by a cover crop. Clover stands in the row middles can help conserve soil moisture, suppress emergence and growth of weeds, increase available nitrogen and recycling of plant nutrients, build soil organic matter, prevent soil erosion and runoff, and improve beneficial insect population. Clover is a leguminous crop that fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere to the plant available forms in the soil. Thus, growing clover significantly reduces the costs of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers for pecan trees. Reduced mowing of the grasses in the row middles also reduces the fuel costs.

A few important points to consider for clover management in pecan groves of South Georgia are as follows:

  • Selection of the clover variety that is best suited for your pecan orchard is very important and growth pattern of clover, soil type, amount of water available, etc. are some of the factors to be considered. Crimson clover seems to be well suited for Georgia’s pecan belt. ‘Dixie’, ‘Chief’, ‘AU-Robin’, ‘Flame’ and ‘AU-Crimson’ are some of the varieties to consider for the local growers in South Georgia.
  • November – December (after harvesting pecans) is the best time for seeding clover in pecan groves.
  • Recommended Seed Rate: Crimson Clover = 15 – 18 lbs / acre; White Clover = 2 – 3 lbs / acre. If broadcasted, increase the seed rate approximately by 25%.
  • Deep planting of clover seeds can result into poor emergence and establishment. Planting depth should not be more than 1/4 inch.
  • Mix fresh and compatible rhizobium inoculant along with the sticking agent with clover seeds for new establishment.
  • Soil pH is very important and should be maintained at 6.5. Rhizobium bacteria die at a soil pH below 5.0.

For more information, I encourage our pecan growers to refer to the extension bulletin Clover Management in Pecan Orchards written by Dr. Lenny Wells, UGA Pecan Extension Specialist. If you need move advice and consultation, please reach out to UGA Dougherty Extension Services at (229) 436-7216 or uge4095@uga.edu.