Agro-morphology and forage nutritive value of white prairie clover [Dalea candida(Michx.) Willd.] populations native to the Canadian prairies

White prairie clover (Dalea candida) populations native to the Canadian prairies exhibit significant variation in nutritional content, with differences observed in acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, crude protein, phosphorus, and iron levels. While biomass and seed yield did not differ significantly among six populations from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta—including those from Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park—nutritional parameters varied notably during the bloom stage. This is the first comparative study of its kind for white prairie clover in Canada, providing insights into its potential as a domesticated forage crop. The research employed a randomized complete block design to evaluate growth characteristics and nutritional traits under field conditions.

Khanal, N., Schellenberg, M. P., & Biligetu, B. (2018). Agro-morphology and forage nutritive value of white prairie clover [Dalea candida (Michx.) Willd.] populations native to the Canadian prairies. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 98(6), 1234–1244. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjps-2017-0255