Cover crop and fire control
Subclover is used for controlling fires in Mediterranean forests (strips to be grazed between forests) or as green winter culture in viticulture or arboriculture to avoid erosion (Masson, 1997; Molle et al., 2008). It can help to reduce soil erosion when combined to vegetable crops (Stirzaker et al., 1993).
Soil improver
Subclover is an N-fixing legume that has been shown to benefit to neighbouring grasses or subsequent cereals (Glatzle, 1989 cited by UC SAREP, 2006). Assessed as living mulch for tomato and lettuce production, subclover resulted in greater bulk density, greater water content and lower air porosity of the soil. Tomato yields were significantly greater with subclover (Stirzaker et al., 1993).