How to Plant a Clover Pasture for Cattle

While many cattle pastures have only forage grass such as tall fescue, property-owners may wish to plant clover for grazing cattle. Clover is beneficial to the health of the pasture since it's a legume that fixes nitrogen to the soil. All plants need nitrogen to grow. Also, clover extends the grazing season throughout the summer, when other grasses are dying back due to the heat and drought, according to the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. Planting clover with perennial grasses is also possible.

Things You'll Need

• Roller
• Rake
• Seeder
• 10-10-10 fertilizer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Select a site to plant the clover. It needs fertile soil that is moist and drains well.

   • 2

     Remove any weeds from the planting site. Apply 2 lbs. of 10-10-10 fertilizer to the soil prior to planting. Work the fertilizer into the soil with a rake and water the soil until it is moist but not soaking.

   • 3

     Broadcast the clover seed at a rate of 1 to 3 lbs. per acre, using your hands or a seeder.

   • 4

     Rake the soil lightly to cover the seed with a quarter-inch of soil.

   • 5

     Run over the clover seeds with the roller to make sure the seeds and soil make good contact with each other.