itch.io

this was a great decision and really helps. Thanks for providing a use for alfalfa and clover beyond just selling it.

Variety is nice, if it have a purpose! - It would be cool, if any of it's trait(or normal reason for planting it) applied to both the crops ..a fast copy/paste from the infamous internet..!

Alfalfa and clover are valuable in agriculture due to their ability to fix nitrogen, improve soil health, and provide high-quality forage for livestock. Alfalfa, often called the "Queen of Forages," is a high-yielding, perennial legume used for hay, silage, baleage, and grazing. Clover, particularly red clover, is also a valuable nitrogen-fixing forage crop that can enhance soil fertility and improve yields of subsequent crops. 

Here's a more detailed look at their benefits: Alfalfa:

• High-quality forage: Alfalfa is a nutritious feed for livestock, providing protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. 
• Nitrogen fixation: Alfalfa, like other legumes, can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, enriching the soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. 
• Improved soil health: Alfalfa's deep root system helps improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and enhance water infiltration. 
• Rotation benefits: When alfalfa is rotated into a crop like corn, it releases stored nitrogen and improves soil health, benefiting the subsequent crop. 
• Drought tolerance: Alfalfa can tolerate drier conditions due to its deep root system, making it suitable for various climates. 

Clover:

• Nitrogen fixation: Clover is a well-known nitrogen fixer, contributing to soil fertility and reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers. 
• Forage for livestock: Clover is a valuable forage source for grazing and hay production, providing protein and other nutrients. 
• Soil improvement: Like alfalfa, clover also improves soil health and structure through its root system. 
• Cover crop benefits: Clover can be used as a cover crop to suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and improve soil conditions. 
• Early spring growth: Certain clover varieties can provide early spring growth, offering grazing or hay opportunities when other forage options may be limited. 

Specific examples:

• Red clover and alfalfa as cover crops: Growing red clover or alfalfa for one year can provide a significant nitrogen credit to the following crop, potentially eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilizer on many soils, according to Minnesota Crop News. 
• Alfalfa-clover mixes: Combining alfalfa and clover can create a high-yielding and nutritious forage mixture for livestock. 
• Overseeding with clover: Overseeding an alfalfa field with clover can improve the yield and nutritional value of the hay.