Perennial Legumes
About
Legumes are known for their high forage quality and ability to biologically fix atmospheric nitrogen. Legumes require better soil conditions (especially neutral pH) and more intensive management than perennial grasses. Although not as long lived as grasses, forages in these functional groups should persist over multiple growing seasons if managed correctly.
White Clover
White clover (Trifolium repens L.) can be found throughout the state. White clover is typically grown with cool season perennial grasses since it is relatively low yielding but can improve forage quality and reduce fertilizer requirements. Durana, Patriot, and Renovation are grown throughout Georgia. Osceola and Neches should only be planted in South Georgia. These improved varieties should not be confused with the low yielding dutch clover that is commonly seen growing along roadsides and in high traffic areas.
Red Clover
Red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) is a biennial legume that is adaptable to much of Georgia. A unique benefit to red clover is that it contains isoflavones that may improve nitrogen utilization in the animal. Bulldog Red can be grown throughout the state while Cimarron Plus, Kenland, and Redland Max are limited to North Georgia. Barduro, Red Ace, and Southern Belle are recommended for South Georgia.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) can be used in grazing, hay, or baleage/silage systems. Alfalfa can be grown throughout the entire state if the soil pH and fertility is adequate and the site is well-drained. Additionally, alfalfa requires proper management (pest control, fertilization, etc.) to maintain a strong stand. Poor soil fertility (low potassium fertilization and declining pH) is the most common cause of stand decline. Stands in South Georgia last four years on average while North Georgia stands may last longer.
Alfalfa varieties with a 4 – 6 dormancy rating are recommended for the Mountains and Piedmont, while the Coastal Plains region requires a dormancy rating of 6 – 8. Bulldog 505 is a semi-dormant variety has a fall dormancy rating of 5. This variety has a broad spectrum of pest resistance, has good grazing or hay tolerance (dual-use), and is adapted to the Piedmont and Mountain regions. Bulldog 805 is a semi-nondormant variety has a fall dormancy rating of 8. This variety has a broad spectrum of pest resistance, has good grazing or hay tolerance (dual-use), and is adapted to the Coastal Plains region.
Roundup Ready (RR) provide many of the same benefits as the two listed above but also allow for the use of glyphosate for weed control. Since the availability of RR varieties is constantly changing, please consult your County Extension Agent for assistance in choosing the right variety for your region and use goals (hay, grazing, or dual-use).
Perennial Peanut
Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) is a rhizomatous peanut species that produces high quality forage and persists well in the lower Coastal Plain (roughly below the line from Albany to Jesup). Perennial peanut can be slow to establish in that it requires 2 to 3 years to fully cover the ground. Producers should consider interseeding perennial peanut into bahiagrass forage systems to improve the overall quality of the stand and prevent total yield loss during the long establishment period.
Varieties that are currently available do not have good cold tolerance and may winter-kill even in South Georgia during unseasonably cold winters. We recommend Florigraze and Arbrook for Georgia.
Sericea Lespedeza
Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate) can be grown throughout the state, as it is very tolerant to drought, low fertility conditions, and acidic soils. This long-lived, deep-rooted perennial is used for grazing or hay production. Sericea lespedeza also contains high concentrations of condensed tannins that can reduce forage digestibility but also act as an anthelmintic (dewormer) to help control parasitic worms in goats and sheep. AU Grazer is the only variety currently recommended for grazing and hay production in Georgia.