Some Effects of Light Intensity, Temperature, and Soil Moisture on the Growth of Alfalfa, Red Clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Seedlings¹

Abstract

Synopsis The growth response from increased light on alfalfa, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil seedlings in growth chambers was curvilinear for tops and linear for roots. Root growth was affected more than top growth by reduced light intensity. Increasing temperatures from 60° to 90° F. reduced seedling growth. Decreasing soil moisture reduced seedling growth correspondingly. Red clover was affected less by reduced light than alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil. There was less growth of birdsfoot trefoil than the other two species.

Expanding Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Usage in the Corn–Soy–Wheat Rotation

“…Ease, equal to RC [34] Slow to establish, weak seedlings [27] Less competitive than RC [35] Vigorous, easy to establish [27] Easy to establish [27] Slow to establish, but persistent [29] Years to establish, then competitive [27] Lifespan/persistence Short-lived perennial, 2-4 years [31] 3-20 years [27] 10+ years [36] Perennial [28] Biennial [27] 1-5 years [27] Perennial [29] 5-20 years [27] Regrowth From crown, high recovery rate [37] From crown [27] From crown [27] Stolons and self-seeding [28] From crown [27] From crown [27] Rhizomes, slow recovery [29] Stolons, slow recovery [27] Competitive capacity High [27] High [27] Moderate [27] Moderate [27] Moderate [27] Persistent and hardy [29] Moderate [27] Drought tolerance Moderate [31] High [27] Moderate [27] Low [36] High [27] Prefers cool, wet conditions [27] Moderate, goes dormant [29] Moderate, goes dormant in drought [27] Shade Red clover germinates in temperatures as low as 5 °C [39] and continues to grow at temperatures above 32 °C, though growth is slowed [40]. It thrives where conditions are shady, cool, and moist [3].…”

Low-cost microprocessed instrument for evaluating soil temperature profile

“…Its influence on plants development and seed germination has been reported in the literature (Coffman, 1923;Gist & Mott, 1957;Dubetz et al, 1962;Allmaras et al, 1964;Smith, 1968).…”

Comparison of the Uptake of P32 and K42 by Intact Alfalfa and Oat Roots

“…In similar tests, however, alfalfa root segments took up (4,5,6,7) and Barber et al (1,2,14) reported that excision of the cotyledons from very young seedlings of certain varieties has significant effects on the number of nodes preceding the first flower.…”

“…Explanations for this growth reduction of the legume include competition for light (5,6), soil moisture (11,15), nutrients (1,4,7,9,10,13), excretion of toxic materials (2,12,14), and effects of the microflora (12).…”