ABSTRACT
It is popularly known as senji or Indian clover or King Island clover. Melilotus spp. is not true clovers. Two common species are Melilotus alba (white sweet clover) and Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. (yellow sweet clover). It is a common leguminous weed and also a cultivated winter annual forage crop of Northern India, particularly of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. It is persistent and aggressive in growth and does not require good tillage, fertile soil, much irrigation, and aftercare. The average yield of green fodder ranges between 300 and 400 q/ha depending upon the soil type and management practices. The average seed yield ranges between 8 and 10 q/ha. The chemical composition of green fodder of senji is crude protein 3.8%, ether extract 0.6%, crude fiber 5.8%, ash 2.3%, and nitrogen-free extract 97%.
