Berseem is popularly known as the “King of Fodder crops”, one of the most important leguminous fodder, annual crop for irrigated condition.
It gives 5-7 cuts during winter, spring and early summer seasons, erect fodder legume comes up 30-80 cm high.
It is adopted to cool and moderately cold climate conditions; the optimum temperature at the time of sowing is 25-290C.
Berseem is only propagated by seeds and is usually sown in early autumn. It can be sown on a conventional seedbed or be direct drilled.
Scientific Name • Trifolium Alexandrinum
Uses • First harvests to be done on 50-60 days after sowing, subsequent harvest are 35-40 days once. It improves milk production of Cow & Buffalo and gaining body weight for Goat, Sheep & Poultries.
Soil Nutrient Requirements • This crop gives best result when grown in Medium to heavy soil. It can be grown on sandy loam soil but it requires frequent irrigations. It improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and thus improves its fertility status.
Sowing Method • Berseem is sown by broadcasting method. Time of sowing Last week of September to first week of October is best time of sowing. Sowing Depth: Depending upon weather conditions, Broadcast seeds in standing water (water depth 4-5 cm). Complete sowing in evening hours. Before sowing put seeds in water and remove seeds which floats on water. For getting good yield, mix 750 gm of mustard seed along with berseem seeds.
Seeding Rate: 50 KGS /Acre
Seeding Time: September – November
Seeding Method: Broadcast or drilled
Optimal Germination Temperature: Range of 25:27 °C
Root Type: Tap