Subclovers may be grown on loam to clay soils. Tolerance to soil pH varies among varieties, but in general the species is best adapted to moderately acid or neutral soils. Subclovers often respond to liming. Decreased development of N-fixing root nodules has been observed on soils of pH 5.0 or lower, and iron deficiency may be a problem on soils with high pH. Subterranean clovers have moderate shade tolerance. They are capable of accumulating substantial amounts of N, a portion of which is available to the following crop.
Rapid growth suppresses weeds in spring.
Although subclovers' mat of creeping stems is suitable for erosion control, ground cover usually is not complete before winter rains begin. Growing subclover in mixtures with grasses or cereals that exhibit fast fall growth increases fall N-scavenging and winter soil protection. However, dense stands of grass or cereal compete with subclover for light in spring. Unlike most other clovers, subclovers can produce seed under close grazing or mowing. Mowing before flowering actually increases seed yield.