Trifolium alexandrinum

Trifolium alexandrinum (Egyptian clover, berseem clover)[1] is an annual clover cultivated mostly in irrigated sub-tropical regions, and used as fodder, mainly for cattle and milk buffalo. It is an important winter crop in Egypt, where it may have been cultivated since ancient times,[2][3] and was introduced into northern India in the early nineteenth century. It is also grown in the United States and Europe.

Trifolium alexandrinum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Trifolium
Species:	T. alexandrinum
Binomial name
Trifolium alexandrinum L.

The plant reaches 30 to 100 cm (12 to 39 in) tall with erect or ascending stems. There are two types of berseem clover, single-cut and multi-cut. Single-cut varieties, like Balady, feature a high growing point and feature poor recovery once harvested. Multi-cut varieties, like Frosty, feature a lower growing point allowing for multiple harvests from a single sowing.

Berseem clover is generally frost-sensitive and should be planted only after potential for frost has passed. The exception is Frosty berseem clover which was developed by Grassland Oregon, Inc. and released in 2016. This variety is capable of surviving temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.[4]

Forage - Berseem clover is capable of producing up to 8 tons of forage in a single growing season.[5] Berseem clover is similar in forage quality to that of alfalfa. Studies at King Saud University have shown that by adding berseem clover to alfalfa, Medicago sativa, one could experience increased dry matter yields and improve forage quality.[6]

Green Manure - Berseem clover can also be used as a cover crop suppressing weeds or as a green manure crop providing nitrogen to following crops. As a green manure crop, berseem is capable of providing as much as 280 lbs./acre of nitrogen to following crops.[7]