ANNOUNCEMENT: Interested Members of the University Community are invited to attend the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science of Brett Hilker of the Department of Plant Agriculture 

DATE: Friday, February 5, 2021
Time: 2:30 PM 
Method: Via Zoom Video Conferencing - https://zoom.us/j/91782260638?pwd=Q0RNRXFreU1FMnRzUEExWVVDMGx4Zz09 
Meeting ID: 917 8226 0638
Passcode: 720728 

Thesis Title: Examinations of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) as a Cover Crop 

Advisory Committee
Dr. Elizabeth Lee, Advisor 
Dr, Francois Tardif
Dr. Bill Deen

Examination Committee
Dr. Peter Pauls, Chair
Dr. Elizabeth Lee
Dr. Francois Tardif
Dr. Kimberley Schneider                                          

ABSTRACT 

Frost-seeding red clover into winter wheat is a common practice in Ontario prior to corn in the rotation. However, non-uniform stands of red clover as a cover crop restrict a grower’s ability to capture its full benefits. This thesis examines: (1) How did red clover end up as the clover of choice for frost seeding into winter wheat? (2) Can clover species diversity help alleviate clover stand non-uniformity of frost seeded clover? (3) Are there any immediate benefits to the subsequent corn crop of having clover in the rotation? Red clover has persisted into the present day due to the readily available source of seed and familiarity with the plant. In Ontario field trials, red clover is superior as a frost seeded cover crop compared to alsike, crimson, and clover species blends. Finally, while initial results from preceding clover show no immediate benefits to corn, the results are only preliminary.