Marco Polo LARGE-LEAFED WHITE CLOVER

Marco Polo is a large-leafed white clover known for quick establishment and winter growth. Use it to boost pastures, feed wildlife, attract pollinators, and stabilize soil.

Winter Active

Marco Polo was bred to be winter active, giving producers the advantage of higher total forage production for the year. Increased winter activity should also be beneficial for increasing fall wildlife activity.

In more mild climates, Marco Polo may remain active the entire winter season. Caution should be taken in colder regions where extended days of sub-freezing temperatures without snow cover are common throughout the winter months. In such locations, Marco Polo stands may experience cold damage and winter kill. In mature stands, some regrowth can be expected either from existing plants or germination of hard seed.

Marco Polo is a large-leafed white clover known for quick establishment and winter growth. It is ideal for boosting pasture productivity, improving wildlife food plots, building pollinator habit, adding nitrogen, and stabilizing the soil.

Multiple Uses

As stated above, Marco Polo has many uses including:

Boost Pasture Productivity

Marco Polo can help lessen the effects of endophyte toxicity and contribute to overall herd health, when planted into toxic endophyte pastures.

Nitrogen and Protein Booster

Marco Polo provides both nitrogen fixation and extra protein when sown with both cool-season and warm season grasses.

Wildlife and Pollinators

Marco Polo can be planted straight or part of a mix for wildlife food plots and pollinator habitat. It will provide abundant, protein-rich feed and prolific flowers.

Erosion Control

Marco Polo’s vigorous root system reduces erosion.

Perennial Cover Crop

Marco Polo can be used in row crops, orchards, and other to fixate nitrogen, reduce weed pressure, and build soil health.

Management of Marco Polo

Once established and properly managed, Marco Polo should provide numerous years of free nitrogen and protein-rich feed. Longevity will depend on location and management. In hotter regions with predominately warm-season species, Marco Polo should last at least 1-2 years, while in cooler climates it should live 3-5 years, or longer. Broadcast 1 lb/acre of seed annually, or as needed.

For pastures, a 25-30% clover percentage is recommended. Bloat is a concern for pastures exceeding 35% white clover. The percentage of Marco Polo in a stand can be managed using these tools: grazing or mowing height, fertilization, and reseeding.

To increase the amount of Marco Polo: Graze or mow more frequently at lower heights. This allows Marco Polo plants to increase their photosynthesis activity, and excite more stolon growth. Regularly fertilize with nitrogen-free fertilizer based on soil test recommendation. Lastly, overseed thin areas with more Marco Polo.

To decrease the amount of Marco Polo: Increase grazing and mowing heights, fertilize with nitrogen, and introduce other desired plants.

Seeding Rate

Pure Stand

5 lbs/ac

Mix with Grasses

1-2 lbs/ac

Established Grass Pasture

2-3 lbs/ac

PLANTING DATES

Southern USA

Late fall (when there is adequate moisture)

Upper Southern USA

Mid-late fall or early spring

Northern USA

Early fall or early spring (frost seeding works well)