Download a copy of the Zulu II arrowleaf clover factsheet.
Zulu II (Trifolium vesiculosum) is an arrowleaf clover of late-season maturity (130 days). It demonstrates early prostrate growth then becomes erect during the spring period and can grow up to 1.2m tall. It produces thick stems with many tillers and produces large leaves with a “V” shape marking, a distinctive characteristic of arrowleaf clover. Zulu II is deep rooted and can extend its root system up to 1.5m into the soil profile, able to source water from a perched water table. This will enable Zulu II to produce herbage long after traditional pastures have dried off and makes it a very valuable pasture, where rainfall is likely to be insufficient for growth of various annuals and perennial legumes. Zulu II has excellent seed production ability with a high level of hard seed, making it well suited to long term cropping rotations. It has excellent tolerance to acid soils but will not tolerate extended waterlogging and thus, heavy soils must be avoided. Zulu II can be used for hay, silage or green manure. Its tall erect growth habit makes it well suited to grass/oaten hay mixtures. Zulu II can provide high quality feed (18-22% crude protein) and is ideal for hay, with excellent production during the spring and early summer period, while also providing a low bloat risk for cattle.
Key features
- Approximately 130 days to flowering
- Excellent spring and early summer growth
- Erect, narrow stemmed variety
- Well adapted to loamy and deep acidic sandy soils
- Deep tap root which can increase growth in drier seasons
- High level of hard seeds ensures good regeneration
- Not known to cause bloat
Key benefits
- The main benefit of incorporating Zulu II into sub-clover based pastures is that the grazing phase in the spring can be extended by 4-12 weeks
- As a standing feed, Zulu II makes ideal cattle fodder due to its tall erect habit and low incidence of bloat. Sheep will also find Zulu II very palatable
Disease resistance / tolerance
No significant diseases have been known to occur. Clover rot (Sclerotinia trifoliorum) can occur in dense swards in wet winters and the risk of phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora megasperma) following virus infections can be increased.
Pest resistance
Arrowleaf clover is susceptible to red legged earth mites (Halotydens destructor) and control measures need to take place prior to sowing or soon after germination to ensure successful establishment. Zulu II can be susceptible to root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), although this is not common.
Suggested sowing rates
Mix: 2–5kg/ha
Straight: 6–12kg/ha
Agronomy and management
Zulu II is a very hard seeded annual that is well suited to long term cropping rotations. It will not require re-sowing, should appropriate management be undertaken. To maximise seed set in the year of sowing and to ensure regeneration and long term persistence, stands should not be grazed during the flowering period. In established stands, light grazing can continue during the flowering period but should be avoided to ensure persistence. Once seed set is completed, plant residues should be either removed or grazed during late summer to promote better seedling regeneration.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.