Variety traits

Protein content — Crimson clover

Trifolium incarnatum L.

An indicator of the nutritional value of crimson clover, expressed as a percentage of crude protein in dry matter, which consistently decreases as the plant develops from the vegetative stage to flowering.

In the reference 4 varieties crop Crimson clover, where this is mentioned in the description.

The crude protein content in crimson clover undergoes significant changes during ontogenesis. At early stages of vegetative growth, the index exceeds 20%, reflecting the maximum nutritional value of the crop in the early spring period. As the plant develops, the proportion of leaves decreases relative to the stems, which leads to a consistent drop in protein concentration to the 12–14% level by the full flowering phase.

Determination of the protein level is based on the calculation of total nitrogen using a factor of 6.25. The dynamics of this trait is a determining factor when choosing harvest times for forage. To maintain high nutritional values of hay or silage, mowing must be carried out at the beginning of the flowering phase, as later dates contribute to an increase in fiber concentration and a decrease in the overall digestibility of the feed.

General information about the subject — on the page Protein content.

Sources8

Varieties of Crimson clover mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.