Inoculation and pelleting of clover for oversowing

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Abstract
The effects of inoculation and pelleting on the establishment of oversown white clover (Trifolium repens) were investigated at three sites in the tussock grasslands of Otago. At all sites establishment was negligible in the absence of inoculation (only 4% or less of healthy seedlings). Clover establishment was low (18-33% healthy seedlings) when seed inoculated at the normal commercial rate was oversown either 1 or 17 days after inoculation, increasing the inoculation level to 5-times normal significantly increased establishment at two sites. At all sites the highest establishment (71-88% healthy seedlings) was obtained when commercial ‘Prillcote’ pelleted seed was sown either 3 or 20 days after inoculation. The responses to laboratory pelleting varied with site, storage period, and pelleting material (lime or Gafsa-phosphate/dolomite). However, in all cases the percentage of healthy seedlings was significantly lower than that obtained with ‘Prillcote’ pellets. The superiority of the ‘Prillcote’ pelleted seed was attributed to the higher populations of Rhizobium trifolii on the seed at sowing. In the first season, production of clover dry matter was significantly correlated to the percentage of healthy seedlings.

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