Lime, inoculation, and seed coating in the establishment of oversown clovers

The effect of lime, inoculation, and seed coating on the establishment of clovers broadcast on a high country yellow‐brown earth c.f pH 4.9 was investigated. Inoculation significantly increased nodulation and subsequent growth of the clover plant, resulting in a threefold increase in yield after 32 weeks. Although the response lessened with time, the differences were stilI significant after 16 months. Lime also significantly increased nodulation and yield, although the effect was less than that of inoculation. Although maximum yield was obtained with 10 cwt per acre of broadcast lime in Trial 2, even 2 1/2 cwt significantly increased yield. Coating of inoculated clover seed with lime had little or no effect on nodulation or yield of clover in the absence of broadcast lime. However, coating inoculated seed prevented the s6mulation of nodulation and yield of broadcast lime. It is suggested that coating has reduced the survival of Rhizobium spp. on the seed.