clover for logging trail

TreeDaddy

TreeDaddy

5 year old buck +
I have a long serpiginous trail through a 30 acre pine plantation that was just created this month as part of a "thinning" project

very sandy (white) loam that appears soft and deep

Following amendments dictated by soil test, what clover would do well in this partial shade environment?

Last frost ~march 17............1st frost ~nov 17

Long "growing" season with harsh dry texas summer

bill
 
I don't know about shade, but red clover does well during dry periods here in my sandy soils.
 
I have coarse, well drained soil but not SAND. I can get white dutch clover to grow on tractor paths and the like in the sun, but clover in decent shade can be difficult and then complicate that fact with sand and you may have your hands full. I know the WI guys tend to have sand type soils so you may want to try to reach some of those guys and see what they do.
 
I planted Imperial clover on my old campsite, which half of it was covered in gravel, and was packed down from driving on it all the time. I ran a disc across it the first time, then I havent done anything to it, other then I plant winter rye in it late summer.
 
I've got a similar trail about 20' wide and then daylighted to get a little more sun. It's in a middle aged hardwood stand so there is more shade than what is ideal. Durana clover has done extremely well for me. The first fall I did the rye nurse crop with clover, then just mowed a couple times so the rye didn't go to seed the following summer. It's lasted 3 years so far.
 
TreeDaddy said:
I have a long serpiginous trail through a 30 acre pine plantation that was just created this month as part of a "thinning" project

very sandy (white) loam that appears soft and deep

Following amendments dictated by soil test, what clover would do well in this partial shade environment?

Last frost ~march 17............1st frost ~nov 17

Long "growing" season with harsh dry texas summer

bill
Click to expand...

Bill,

I like the persistence and drought tolerance of Durana. It is low growing and can handle traffic as well as or better than most clover. I can't speak to your sandy soil. It is slow to establish. I have to fall plant it with a winter rye nurse crop. The critical factor for me seems to be timely mowing the first spring. Once established, it is pretty tough. Mixing it with medium red may be a good strategy. Medium red is faster to establish but short lived.

Thanks,

Jack
 
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