ABSTRACT
Legumes have been popularized as "a cheap fertilizer" and promoted by statements such as "use a legume and never fertilize again." Legumes do have a place in agricultural energy conservation, especially in forage programs, but they may not be the "star" often portrayed. Legumes should have a definite place in a forage-beef program; they can be justified on an improved-forage quality basis, even if their nitrogen fixation abilities are not considered. Legumes are usually higher-quality forage than are grasses—and, if utilized properly, they can produce higher gains per head, per day, and per acre. Proper utilization of legumes entails much risk in purchasing needed animals for heavy stocking. High-producing, long-season legumes, such as the red and white clovers and alfalfa, require high stocking rates of 1500 lb to 1600 lb live weight per acre, similar to Bermuda grass during optimum growing seasons. Several other legumes may contribute effectively to a forage program in the humid area.
