Establishment of Kura Clover (Trifolium ambiguum).

This research is an analysis of Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum) for factors which could facilitate establishment.  Little scientific data is available on how to successfully attain a healthy stand of this difficult-to-establish forage legume.  Building upon past research by Thomas M. Smith, MSc, and Wilmington College student Matt Stroud, this research focuses on how the organic fraction of soil affects post-germination plant development.  Treatments to greenhouse trial plots included soil incorporation of the following: soil cores from an established kura clover patch; a live, commercially-obtained Rhizobium seed inoculant; Trichoderma to suppress harmful fungi; activated charcoal; Endo/Ecto Mycorrhizae mix; humic acid; liquid fertilizer solution; and a control.  Measurements were taken on the following attributes: days to emergence; days to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd leaves; plant height; watering dates & amounts applied; greenhouse temperature; and outside weather (sunny/cloudy).