Till In Red Clover
Red clover makes an excellent cover crop for gardens and pasture areas. When planting time comes near for other crops, the clover can be killed off to allow more space for other plants. While a herbicide can be utilized for killing the red clover, the use of such a chemical may not be as beneficial for the recovery of the plants organic matter. Mowing the clover low to the soil line and then plowing the material under, will gain the most advantage from the nitrogen fixing material. Termination of red clover is best performed in early spring.
List:
Lawn mower or bush hog attachment for tractor
Roto tiller or plow attachment for tractor
Set the level of the lawn mower deck or the bush hog attachment to its lowest setting. The overall goal is to cut the red clover plants as low to the soil line as possible. The harsh cutting will disperse the organic material on top of the soil.
Allow the cut plant material to set in the garden or field for one day. This will allow the material to dry out slightly. The dry organic material will work into the ground easier than if it is wet. Wet plant debris may clog the tines of some roto tillers.
Use the roto tiller in small garden areas and the plow attachment for pastures and fields, to turn the red clover plant material under the soil. Make one pass over the area with the tiller or plow. Wait two days. This will allow any roots that are exposed to the air to dry out and die.
Perform another pass, over the garden with the tiller or the plow over the field, to finalize any incorporation of the red clover plant material into the soil. Typically this second tilling or plow pass will effectively kill off any remaining roots from the red clover.
Words to the Wise:
Apply a herbicide such as 2,4-D LVE, dicamba or clopyralid to the red clover 10 days to 14 days prior to other plantings in the pasture or garden area. You may still have to turn the herbicide killed plants under with a plow or tiller to incorporate the material into the soil. Follow all manufacturers directions when using a herbicide, as some plants may not be compatible for such quick re-planting.
Keep children and animals away from all areas when applying any type of herbicide.
Caution must be exercised as any over spray from the herbicide may kill other plants.
