Competitive ability of Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum) compared with white clover (Trifolium repens) on lowland and high country sites : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University

Content Partner: Lincoln University. The competitive ability of Caucasian clover and white clover was assessed at three fertile lowland sites of different ages and one low fertility 21 year old high country site during autumn 1996. The first lowland site examined the sociability of Caucasian clover and white clover 15 months after sowing with five grasses: ryegrass (Lolium perenne), grazing brome (Bromus sitchensis), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), cocksfoot (Dactylis g/omerata), and phalaris (Pha/aris aquatica) on fertile (pH 6.1, Olsen P 39) lowland soil. Neither clover illustrated a superior competitive ability in terms of plant canopy height or plant diameter when grown with grasses. The canopy height and spread of both clovers was reduced when grown in association with the more aggressive ryegrass and grazing brome. The height of the two clovers was generally 2/3 that of associated grass height indicating that the clovers were able to intercept sufficient light at this level in the canopy. The spread of Caucasian clover in monoculture (324mm) was significantly (p