Adaptation In Clovers

Adaptation in the varieties of clover

considered will be more fully given when discussing these individually,

but enough will be said here to facilitate comparisons. Clover in one or

the other of its varieties can be grown in almost all parts of the

United States and Canada. Speaking in a general way, the medium and

mammoth varieties can be grown at their best between parallels 37 deg. and

49 deg. north latitude. Alfalfa has special adaptation for mountain valleys

of the entire West, but it will also grow in good form in parts of all,

or nearly all, the other States. Alsike clover grows in about the same

areas as the common and mammoth varieties, but it may also be grown

further North, owing to its greater hardihood. Crimson clover has

highest adaptation to the States east of the Allegheny Mountains and

west of the Cascades, but will also grow in the more Central States

south, in which moisture is abundant. Small white clover will grow in

any part of the United States or Canada in which moisture is

sufficiently present. Japan and burr clover grow best south of parallel

37 deg. and east of longitude 98 deg.. Sweet clover will grow in all the States

and provinces of the United States and Canada, but has highest

adaptation for the Central and Southern States.



With reference to adaptation to soils, medium and mammoth clover grow

best on upland clay loam soils, such as have sustained a growth of

hardwood timber, and on the volcanic ash soils of the Western mountain

valley. Alfalfa flourishes best on those mountain valley soils when

irrigated, or when these are so underlaid with water as to furnish the

plants with moisture. Alsike clover has much the same adaptation to

soils as the medium and mammoth varieties, but will grow better than

these on low-lying soils well stored with humus. Crimson clover has

highest adaptation for sandy loam soils into which the roots can

penetrate easily. Small, white clover has adaptation for soils very

similar to that of alsike clover. Japan clover and burr clover will grow

on almost any kind of soil, but on good soils the growth will, of

course, be much more vigorous than on poor soils. Sweet clover seems to

grow about equally well on sandy loams and clay loams, but it has also

much power to grow in stiff clays and even in infertile sands.