Food Plot Seed - Alyce Clover
Alysicarpus vaginalis

Alyceclover is a summer legume that can provides approximately 15% protein. When Alyce is used as a grazing crop it should be inoculated with inoculants at planting to improve growth.

Alyceclover is an annual clover which can be planted with other legumes such as cowpeas or perennials.  It is very attractive to deer and is one of the most popular clovers used in plantings for wildlife. Plant at the rate of 15 to 20 lb. per acre in the early spring when danger of frost is over. The clover seeds are very small and must not be planted over 1/4 inch deep. The best planting method for wildlife plots is to lightly drag over the area just to lightly cover the seed.

Planting: May-July, Reseed annually. Plant 15-20 lbs. per acre 1/4 to no deeper than 1 inch depth. Roll or culti-pack for best results.

Use: For forage use and wildlife plantings for deer, turkeys and rabbits

Maintenence: Lime soils to pH of 6.2. Fertilize with 60 lbs. of phosphate and potash per acre. N is not required. You should lime every 2-3 years to maintain pH.Mow or graze to control weeds once establishment starts. Allow plants to seed out to re-seed in spring with light harrowing to improve germination.  As stands decrease you may need to apply additional seeds for reseeding.

Adaptation: Grows 12-24 inches in height. Is a warm season tropical annual plant.  Slow to establish does well on most sites.  Good choice for coastal areas with high amounts of summer rainfall.  Plant on moderate to well-drained soils in the Southeast.

Preparation: Multiple plowings to reduce weed competition helps establishment chances.  Weeds and grasses will NOT allow germination to occur.

Best For: Deer, Turkey, Rabbit, and Quail

Alyce clover was introduced from southern Asia and is well adapted to the South. It is used for hay, pasture and cover crop in the Southeastern US states. Alyceis a low spreading, branchy and leafy plant.  It can grow to 3 feet in height and make a very thick stand. Cattle will usually graze Alyce clover either green or when dry.

Alyce is a summer annual and produces mature seeds in the fall (October).  If cut early for hay, a second growth will usually produce a seed crop. Hay should be cut in early bloom and raked as soon as it dries. Alyce tends to dry easily and can usually be baled the day following cutting. Alyce clover prefers sandy loams, but has perform well on improved soils, except for very light or wet soils. Use 200 to 400 pounds of super-phosphate fertilizers on poor soils. It is not generally responsive to lime. It can also be planted in 24 to 30 inch rows and cultivated when weeds are a problem (Usually cultivate twice). Planted seeds should be inoculated.