Other species, such as bromegrass, timothy, reed canarygrass, quackgrass, alfalfa, red clover, alsike clover, and Viking type birdsfoot trefoil, have growing points which start at the soil surface but as growth continues rise above the ground where livestock or mowing machines can cut them off. These species are sensitive to close or untimely grazing and are best suited to rotational grazing or hay management. Legume development is similar to that of the cool-season grasses. The stages of development in legumes such as alfalfa, red clover, alsike clover, and birdsfoot trefoil are vegetative, bud, flowering, and seed maturation. These developmental stages are controlled by day length and temperature.
Reproductive growth occurs in legumes during all regrowth cycles.
Fall management has a major effect on the productivity and survival of forage crops. Fall is a time for root growth, tiller development, and carbohydrate storage needed by the plant for over- wintering and for spring growth. Fall management affects vigor of the stand the following year. Good tiller development in the fall depends on adequate energy reserves, leaf area, soil fertility, and soil moisture. If the harvest recommendations in Table 1 are followed throughout the year, the plants will be in good condition for overwintering.