Irrigation boosts seed yields in clover, transforming Mediterranean forage production.
The study looked at how different factors like irrigation and harvest timing affect the growth and seed production of annual clovers in Mediterranean environments. They tested different types of clovers and grasses in pure stands and mixtures. The results showed that clovers grown with grasses produced more forage than clovers alone. Irrigation significantly increased forage and seed yields, with Persian clover giving the highest seed yield under irrigation. However, taking a forage harvest before seed production reduced the subsequent seed yields. Overall, the study found that irrigation and harvest management play a crucial role in maximizing the yield of annual clovers in Mediterranean climates.