Each of the ten points below contribute to varying degrees of importance as to how forage legumes improve pastures and forage programs.*

	Lower N-Fertilizer Costs
	Better Forage Quality
	Better Year-around Forage Growth
	Increased Forage Yield
	Reduced Risk
	Reduces Animal Toxicity
	Environmentally Acceptable
	Benefits Rotational Systems
	More Attractive Pastures
	Increased Profits

Several forage legumes are widely adapted to and used in Oklahoma especially in the eastern half of the state. Many of the legume species have a vast untapped potential for Oklahoma forage production systems. More use should be made of legumes in the central and western parts of the state.

Management of forage legumes usually requires more care than some of the forage grasses. Light grazing pressure (or deferred grazing) during a couple of weeks after blooming will generally allow the annual legumes to reseed. Special uses such as allowing creep access to cowpeas and/or annual lespedeza improves performance of growing animals during the summer.

The many ways forage legumes can be utilized in Oklahoma is limited only by our imagination and patience.  Those producers wanting to include forage legumes in their forage program should avoid thinking legumes are miracle plants that can make poor pastures good without hard work.

*  The reasons to use forage legumes listed above are modified from "10 Great Reasons for Growing Clover". 1997. Don Ball and Garry Lacefield. Publication funded by the Oregon Clover Commission. 

John Caddel, Forage Agronomist, 
Professor of Plant & Soil Sciences

john.caddel@okstate.edu