Weediness
Once established, bur clover is difficult to control. Mechanical removal of top growth is not sufficient to eradicate the plant. Besides, pulling the plant out can result in leaving the tap roots and other plant material. In some situations, if not properly managed, Medicago polymorpha may become weedy or invasive, thus displacing more desirable vegetation. It is considered noxious in many areas such as Arizona (USA) and most places of Oceania and the Pacific Islands (US Forest Service, 2013; Queensland Government, 2011; USDA NRCS, 2002).
Cover crop and soil improver
As with other annual legumes (medics or subterranean clover), bur clover may be used as a winter cover crop in vineyards to avoid soil erosion and weed development. It provides ground cover without competing with the grape vines for water during summer as it is already dead (Porqueddu et al., 2000). Bur clover is useful for soil renovation and improvement, and contributes to nutrient recycling (Howieson et al., 2000; Puckridge et al., 1983). Bur clover can provide green manure; it proved to be superior to NPK fertilizer in maize crops to increase shoot, root and cob biomass (Ecocrop, 2016; Rukhsana Bajwa et al., 2002).