Farming
Many factors influence successful forage production, but establishment of the crop is a key to profitability. It is essential to choose the appropriate crop species for the needed yield, quality, and persistence.
It is then critical to choose a variety that is recommended for one’s area. (Find more information on which forage species is appropriate for the need and a list of recommended varieties for the selected species at www.alabamaforages.com.)
Attention to other factors that affect successful stand establishment and yield is also important. Select high- quality seed that meets or exceeds recommended levels of germination, purity, and weed seed contamination. Ensure that the seed is planted at the right rate, depth, and time of the year. Additionally, ensure that seeding method and planting environment are appropriate to the species too. Also ensure that the seed is either pre-inoculated or that it is inoculated with the correct inoculant group.
The planting operation is when producers most often make yield-reducing mistakes, so take time to minimize these errors. This planting guide has been developed to help producers in establishing most forage legumes commonly grown in Alabama. Information provided about a given forage species is not necessarily a recommendation to grow that species but rather is for information only. Some commonly grown forage legumes are not recommended by Auburn University. Some varieties of given species may also produce well in certain areas while others may not. This guide simply offers the information needed to have the best chance of establishing a forage legume species, if a producer so chooses.
Five Steps to Higher Yields and More Profit
1. Test
- the soil to determine nutrient needs. (Send soil samples to be analyzed at a certified diagnostic lab, such as the Soil, Forage, and Water Testing Laboratory at Auburn University.)
- Apply lime and fertilizer at levels appropriate to soil test result recommendations.
2. Seed
- with good, high-quality seed and good seeding techniques.
- with certified seed for added assurance of high seed quality.
- with treated seed, when possible, to protect against insect pests and disease.
- with inoculants specific to the legume being planted.
3. Plant
- with a goal of perfect stands!
- at the proper depth in a properly prepared seedbed or no-till environment.
- at the proper time, when soil temperature is adequate and moisture is appropriate.
- at the correct seeding rate per acre.
4. Manage
- for high yields!
- pests (weeds, insects, and diseases) to ensure that the plant is competitive in establishing and maintaining a good stand.
- to maintain proper soil fertility throughout the life of the stand.
- grazing to best utilize forage potential.
5. Harvest
- for high-quality yields!
- at the right time.
- with appropriate equipment that has been properly adjusted.
Exercise good handling and storage techniques to protect forage quality.
Alabama Planting Guide for Forage Legumes
PLS–Pure Live Seed N.D.–No Data to Support a Recommendation B–Broadcast D–Drill R–Rows
Alfalfa
Growth Habit: Warm-season perennial
Area: N, C, S
Soils: Well drained, fertile, deep; pH 6.5–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: D: 18–25 B: 20–25
Seeding Depth (inches): 0–1⁄4
Planting Dates: N = Aug. 15–Oct. 1; C = Sept. 1–Oct. 1; S = Oct. 1–Nov. 1
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 227,000
Inoculant Group: Alfalfa
Special Notes: Avoid soils where subsoil pH is greater than 5.5, for greater chance of stand success and longevity.
Alyceclover
Growth Habit: Warm-season annual
Area: S
Soils: Well drained, fertile; pH 6.5–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 15–20
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: S: May 15–July 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.25
Seed/Pound: 300,000
Inoculant Group: Cowpea
Special Notes: Grows best in the Gulf Coast area with high summer rains.
Annual Lespedeza (Striate and Korean)
Growth Habit: Warm-season annual
Area: N, C
Soils: Avoid lime soils of the Black Belt; pH 5.8–6.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 25–35
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: Feb. 15–Apr. 11
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 230,000 to 240,000
Inoculant Group: Cowpea
Special Notes: High nutritive quality, low yield.
Arrowleaf Clover
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Well drained, medium to high fertility; pH 5.8–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 5–10
Seeding Depth (inches): 0 –1⁄2
Planting Dates: N: Aug. 25–Oct. 1 C: Sept. 1–Oct. 15 S: Sept. 15–Nov. 1
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 400,000
Inoculant Group: Clover
Special Notes: Overseeded 3–5 weeks later.
Ball Clover
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Sandy loam to clay pH 5.8–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 3–5
Seeding Depth (inches): 0–1⁄4
Planting Dates: Sept.–Oct.
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 95
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.30
Seed/Pound: 1,000,000
Inoculant Group: Clover
Special Notes: Tolerates wet soils. Will germinate at lower temperatures than most annual clovers.
Berseem Clover
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: S
Soils: Poorly drained, loam to clay loam; pH 5.8–8.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 20–25 D: 15–18
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: S: Oct. 1–Nov. 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 207,000
Inoculant Group: Clover
Special Notes: Well suited for non-acid Black Belt soils and in high rainfall areas near the Gulf Coast.
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Growth Habit: Warm-season perennial
Area: N,C
Soils: Well drained, productive; pH 6.5–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: Alone: B: 8–10 Mix: B: 4–5
Seeding Depth (inches): 0–1⁄4
Planting Dates: Sept.–Oct.
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 370,000
Inoculant Group: Trefoil
Special Notes: Will not compete with bahiagrass or bermudagrass. Reseeds under proper management.
Black Medic
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: Black Belt
Soils: Lime soils; pH of 6.5–7.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 10–12
Seeding Depth (inches): 0–1⁄4
Planting Dates: Sept.–Oct.
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 95
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.30
Seed/Pound: 266,000
Inoculant Group: Alfalfa
Special Notes: Can be grazed in pastures in the Black Belt Region. Not recommended for hay production.
Blue Lupine
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: S
Soils: Well drained; pH 5.8–67.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 100–120 D: 50–75
Seeding Depth (inches): 1 1⁄2
Planting Dates: S: Sept. 15–Nov. 1
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.30
Seed/Pound: 3,500
Inoculant Group: Lupine
Special Notes: If fertilized, does well on sandy soils. Sweet varieties utilized for grazing.
Brassicas (rape, kale, turnip, canola)
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual Brassica
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Well drained, productive; pH 5.8–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 8–10 D: 5–8
Seeding Depth (inches): 0–1⁄2
Planting Dates: Feb.–Mar. Sept.–Oct.
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.20
Seed/Pound: 156,000
Inoculant Group: ———-
Special Notes: Not a legume. Primarily used for soil improvement and spring hog grazing.
Caley Peas
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: Black Belt
Soils: All Black Belt soil; pH 5.8–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 50–55
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄2 –1
Planting Dates: Sept. 1–Oct. 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 95
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.20
Seed/Pound: 18,000
Inoculant Group: Pea and Vetch
Special Notes: Good at reseeding. Grows on soils too wet for most clovers on both acid and calcerous soils.
Chicory, Forage
Growth Habit: Perennial Forb
Area: N,C
Soils: Moderately well drained: pH 5.8–8.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: Alone: D:4–5 Mix: D: 2–3
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: Aug.–Oct. 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 65
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): N.D.
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 426,000
Inoculant Group: ———-
Special Notes: Not a legume. High nutritive quality and very palatable.
Common Vetch
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Well drained, sand, loam, clay; pH 5.8–8.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 30–40
Seeding Depth (inches): 1–2
Planting Dates: N: Sept. 1–Oct. 15 C: Sept. 1–Oct. 15 S: Sept. 15–Nov. 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.10
Seed/Pound: 8,000
Inoculant Group: Pea and vetch
Special Notes: Vetch/small grain mix: B: 20–30 lb of vetch,with 60–90 lbs of small grain per acre.
Cowpeas
Growth Habit: Warm-season annual
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Well drained, fertile; pH 5.8–6.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: R: 30–40 B: 100–120
Seeding Depth (inches): 1–3
Planting Dates: May 1–Jun. 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.25
Seed/Pound: 4,000
Inoculant Group: Cowpea
Special Notes: Most commonly used for soil improvement and wildlife plantings.
Crimson Clover
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: N, C, S
Soils: Well drained; pH 5.8–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 20–30
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: N: Aug. 25–Oct. 1 C: Sept. 1–Oct. 15 S: Sept. 15–Nov. 1
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 150,000
Inoculant Group: Clover
Special Notes: Overseeded: 3–5 weeks later. Avoid lime soils.
Crownvetch
Growth Habit: Cool-season perennial
Area: N
Soils: Well drained;pH 5.8–6.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 8–10
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: N: Sept.–Oct.
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 65
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 95
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 242,500
Inoculant Group: Crownvetch
Special Notes: Conservation is the primary usage. Slow to establish, but provides good cover.
Hairy Vetch
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: N, C, S
Soils: Well drained, sand, loam, clay; pH 5.8–8.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 20–25
Seeding Depth (inches): 1–2
Planting Dates: N, C: Sept. 1–Oct. 15 S: Sept. 15–Nov. 1
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.10
Seed/Pound: 16,000
Inoculant Group: Pea and vetch
Special Notes: Vetch/small grain mix: B: 18–20 lb of vetch, with 60–90 lbs of small grain per acre.
Perennial Peanut
Growth Habit: Warm-season perennial
Area: S
Soils: Well drained, sandy; pH 5.8–7.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: Rhizomes: 80 to 120 bu/A
Seeding Depth (inches): 1–2
Planting Dates: S: Dec. 1 – Mar. 1
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): Use fresh, live, certified sprigs.
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): Use fresh, live, certified sprigs.
Weed Seed % (Maximum): Use fresh, live, certified sprigs.
Seed/Pound: Rhizomes
Inoculant Group: ———-
Special Notes: Will not tolerate poor drainage. Best adapted to the southern one third of Alabama.
Red Clover
Growth Habit: Cool-season biennial
Area: N, C, S
Soils: Well drained, fertile; pH 6.0–8.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 12–15 D: 8–10
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: N,C: Sept. 15–Nov. 15 –OR– Feb. 1–Apr. 1 S: Sept. 15–Nov. 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 272,000
Inoculant Group: Clover
Special Notes: Persistence is typically 2–3 years, excellent for use in mixed pastures for grazing.
Sericea Lespedeza
Growth Habit: Warm-season perennial
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Well drained, moist (avoid lime soils); pH 5.8–6.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 15–20 B: 20–30 (if no herbicide)
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: N: Mar. 15–May 15 –OR– Jun. 15–July 15 C: Mar. 1–May 1 S: Feb. 1–May 1
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 372,000
Inoculant Group: Cowpea
Special Notes: Use certified, hulled seed.
Soybeans
Growth Habit: Warm-season annual
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Deep loam, bottoms; pH 5.8–6.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: D: 60–100
Seeding Depth (inches): 1–3
Planting Dates: N: May 1–May 30 C: May 1–May 30 S: Before June 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 98
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.10
Seed/Pound: Variable
Inoculant Group: Soybean
Special Notes: Tolerates drought when grown for forage. Short grazing season with no substantial regrowth.
Subterranean Clover
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Area: C, S
Soils: Well drained, productive; pH 5.8–7.3
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 8–10
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: C,S: Sept.–Oct.
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.05
Seed/Pound: 54,000
Inoculant Group: Clover
Special Notes: Good reseeding potential. Lower yielding than crimson or arrowleaf clover.
Sweetclover
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual or biennial
Area: Black Belt
Soils: Lime soils of the Black Belt; pH 6.5–7.0
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 12–15
Seeding Depth (inches): 1⁄4–1⁄2
Planting Dates: Sept.–Oct.
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 80
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 259,000
Inoculant Group: Alfalfa
Special Notes: Drought tolerant, winter hardy. Will not tolerate soil acidity.
White/Ladino Clover
Growth Habit: Cool-season perennial
Area: N,C,S
Soils: Moist bottoms and productive uplands; pH 6.0–7.5
Seeding Rate (lb/A) Pure Live Seed: B: 2–3
Seeding Depth (inches): 0–1⁄4
Planting Dates: N, C: Sept.–Oct. –OR– Feb. 1–Apr. 1 S: Sept. 15–Nov. 15
Seed Quality Germ. % (Minimum): 85
Seed Quality Purity % (Minimum): 99
Weed Seed % (Maximum): 0.50
Seed/Pound: 768,000
Inoculant Group: Clover
Special Notes: Commonly used seeded into established cool-season grass pastures.
When buying inoculants, be sure that the legume species you want to plant is listed on the package. All inoculants are not created equal and are species specific. Apply fungicide/fertilizer or other seed treatments at least 48 hours before planting; inoculate at planting. Remember (1) not to inoculate and treat legumes with fungicides at the same time, and (2) not to inoculate legume seed with fertilizer. Note: Presented pH values are a range and may not represent the ideal pH of planting.
Reviewed by Leanne Dillard, Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor, Animal Sciences at Auburn University. Previously revised by Katie Mason, Graduate Research Assistant, Leanne Dillard, Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor; and Kim Mullenix, former Extension Specialist, all in Animal Sciences at Auburn University. Originally written by Donald M. Ball, Professor Emeritus and former Extension Agronomist.
Reviewed October 2024, Alabama Planting Guide for Legumes, ANR-0150