Prediction of the clover content of red clover- and white clover-grass mixtures by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

This study assesses near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as a rapid and reliable method for estimating the clover content of clover/grass mixtures. NIRS calibrations were derived both for red clover ( Trifolium pratense ) and white clover ( T. repens ) mixtures. To maximize variability, the set of samples for analysis was selected from field plots receiving a wide range of nitrogen fertilizer application and harvested over 2 years at weekly intervals throughout the growing season. The samples were scanned using a NIR-Systems model 5000 monochromator. A total of 183 white clover/grass and 282 red clover/grass samples were used to calibrate and cross-validate the equations derived. The NIRS calibrations obtained from this study have the potential to be used in research on clover/grass mixtures as well as for advisory work.