GA-9908 Medium Red Clover

A southern adapted clover bred for improved grazing performance, GA-9908 is a valuable forage for hay, grazing, cover cropping and wildlife.

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Variety Summary

GA-9908 is a southern adapted, medium red clover specifically bred for improved grazing performance. GA-9908 is a multi-year red clover capable of better persistence and good hay yields. It is highly resistant to Southern Anthracnose. GA-9908 is a valuable forage for hay, grazing, cover cropping and wildlife. As with all red clovers, it possesses deep roots to help build soil and provide extended drought survivability and is capable of fixing nitrogen; all useful traits for crop rotations and mixed grass pastures.

GA-9908 medium red clover in a field

Better Grazing Persistence

Developed by Dr. Joe Bouton at University of Georgia, GA-9908 was selected from ‘Redland III’ through multiple cycles of intensive grazing. GA-9908 was then tested for grazing survival at three Georgia locations. Plots were seeded in the fall, as pure stands (Tifton) or into tall fescue swards (Eatonton and Calhoun). As shown in the photos, GA-9908 was found to provide improved grazing survival and yield compared to other widely used varieties (actual data available on request).

GA-9908 in a research trial
Variety of clover used as a check variety in research trial

Extended Survivability

GA-9908 has shown above-average stand survivability in the Southeast. Most red clovers would not survive beyond two years in Georgia, but as shown in this comparison, GA-9908 had a very healthy stand after year two, while the other stand was significantly diminished.

GA-9908 in a research trial
Redland II medium red clover in a research trial

High Forage Yields

Trial results in the southern and northern US indicate that GA-9908 is able to supply high forage yields for multiple years, if adequate growing conditions exist. In both a 2-year University of Tennessee trial (shown in table) and a 4-year University of Wisconsin trial, GA-9908 had forage yields equivalent to other widely used varieties.

Georgia

Forage Yield (Tons DM/A)

Athens, GA

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2001-2002

Variety2000200120023-yr total
GA-99083.284.451.849.57
Redland III2.844.342.19.28
Royal3.643.350.787.77
Lsd0.380.460.48

*Statistically equal to top scoring variety.

Tennessee

University of Tennessee

Forage Yield (Tons DM/A)

Greeneville & Knoxville, TN

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2009-2011

 GreenevilleKnoxvilleBoth locations
Variety201020112-yr total201020112-yr total2-yr ave
GA-99084.07*4.55*8.62*3.19*2.95*6.14*7.38
Freedom!4.31*4.35*8.67*3.04*3.02*6.06*7.37
Freedom!MR4.06*4.39*8.45*3.32*2.90*6.22*7.34
Emerald3.90*4.19*8.08*3.06*3.23*6.30*7.19
Cinnamon Plus3.96*4.14*8.10*2.99*3.26*6.25*7.18
CW 300913.75*4.49*8.24*3.10*2.82*5.92*7.08
LS 97033.76*4.40*8.15*2.89*2.97*5.86*7.01
CW2023.86*4.26*8.12*2.97*2.69*5.66*6.89
PGI 333.79*3.827.622.91*2.67*5.58*6.60
FLMD4.04*3.817.85*3.08*1.904.986.42
lsd0.670.681.030.570.710.91 

Planted September 30, 2009.

*Statistically equal to top scoring variety.

Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin

Forage Yield

Prairie du Sac, WI

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2013-2016

 Total Tons DM/A% Stand Average
Variety2013201420152016Total201420152016
Starfire II2.49*5.28*4.03*2.07*14.50*100*83*57*
Freedom!MR2.79*4.78*3.83*2.32*13.72*100*81*37
GA-99082.57*4.89*3.70*2.1913.34*100*70*34
Freedom!2.55*4.743.402.22*12.92100*75*30
Cinnamon Plus2.194.78*3.68*2.0212.67100*79*33
Marathon2.144.563.422.1012.21100*69*21
Emarwan2.354.182.721.6710.9298*4613
Tempus1.964.242.661.5210.3888142
Aberclarret2.044.002.541.6510.23872110
LSD (0.05)0.340.530.550.491.4181418

*Statistically equal to top scoring variety.

Very Good Disease Resistance

In independent testing, GA-9908 has shown to be highly resistant to Southern Anthracnose (Colltrotrichum spp.), and resistant to Northern Anthracnose (Auereobasidium caulivor).

ABI Alfalfa

Disease Resistance

Napier, IA

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2003

 Southern Anthracnose (Colltrotrichum spp.)Northern Anthracnose (Auereobasidium caulivor)
VarietyResistance Class% ResistanceResistance Class% Resistance
GA-9908HR62.91R44.01
FK345R47.28R44.85
W1-2R38.46R39.64
KenlandMR29.06MR22.51
Lsd 6.96 5.86

Cover Crop Performance

In the October of 2019, researchers with the University of Tennessee planted extensive cover crop trials in three Tennessee locations – Knoxville, Spring Hill, and Milan. In addition to assessments of nitrogen content and release, assessment were conducted for ground cover, biomass and height. The data below reflects averages of all three sites. Site-specific data and complete results available upon request.

University of Tennessee

Biomass, Canopy Cover, and Height

Three Location Average

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2019-2020

VarietyBiomass (Tons DM/A)Canopy Cover (%)Height (in)
 AprMayNovFebNovFebAprMay
GA-99080.10.731111311
Big Red0.10.6371128
VNS0.10.5391139
Blaze0.10.4391149

See complete trial here.

University of Tennessee

Nitrogen Content/Estimated Nitrogen Release

Three Location Average

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2019-2020

VarietyBiomass (Tons DM/A)Total Nitrogen (%)Est. N Released: April Termination (lbs/ac)Est. N Released: May Termination (lbs/ac)
 AprilMayAprilMay2 wks.4 wks.12 wks2 wks.4 wks.12 wks
GA-99080.10.72.53.00.00.32.01.33.324.0
VNS0.10.52.23.00.00.01.01.02.017.0
Big Red0.10.62.32.60.00.01.30.72.016.3
Blaze0.10.42.32.90.00.00.71.02.014.0

See complete trial here.

Close up of GA-9908 Medium Red Clover

Early Flowering

GA-9908 is reaches 50% bloom approximately six days earlier the Kenland.

Management of GA-9908

Once established and properly managed, GA-9908 should provide multiple years of free nitrogen and protein-rich hay and grazing. Longevity will depend on location and management. In hotter regions, with predominately warm-season species, it should last at least 1-2 years, while in cooler climates it should live 3-5 years, or longer. One can also broadcast 3-5 lbs./acre of seed annually, or as needed, to insure a continuous stand. Researchers recommend 25-30% clover percentages in grass pastures for best animal grazing results.

Close up of GA-9908 Medium Red Clover in ryegrass

GA-9908 Gallery

Planting Instructions

Before You Plant

GA-9908 performs best in soils with a pH of 5.8-7.0, but can also tolerate moderately acid soils (pH 5.0-5.5). GA-9908 will perform best on loamy, well-drained, fertile soil, but can also survive in poorly drained soil. For optimal performance, conduct a soil test and follow the recommended lime and fertilizer recommendations.

In established pastures, remove excess forage through grazing or late season haying. This will help ensure successful seedling emergence and establishment. Reduce weed population prior to planting. Be aware of herbicide carryover/residual of chemicals applications prior to planting.

Planting Method

Cultipacking or dragging before and after seeding helps create a firm seedbed on prepared land. Planting too deep may lead to poor establishment or stand failure. When planting as mix with grass, drill companion grasses in one direction and then drill clover perpendicular to grass rows.

Inoculation

GA-9908 is ready to plant! GA-9908 red clover is Nitro-Coated® with a high level of the leguminosarum biovar trifolii rhizobium.

Seeding Rate

Pure Stand on Prepared Seedbed (Drilled)
6-8 lbs/ac
Pure Stand (Broadcast & Cultipacked)
12-15 lbs/ac
Mix with Grasses on Prepared Seedbed
4-6 lbs/ac
Established Grass Pasture (Drilled)
6-8 lbs/ac

Planting Dates

Southern USA
Late fall
Upper Southern USA
Mid-late fall or early spring
Northern USA
Early fall or early spring (frost seeding works well)

Planting Map

Planting Depth

1/8 - 1/4"

Optimal pH

5.8 - 7.0

Fertilizer

Apply lime, potassium and phosphorus per soil test results. No nitrogen is necessary.