Serradella is adapted to deep, well drained, sandy soils with low pH and low fertility levels. It is particularly tolerant of low phosphorous levels. It will also tolerate moderate to severe aluminium and manganese levels, both of which reduce the productivity and persistence of other legumes such as white and sub clover and lucerne. Serradella has a deep root system that allows it to continue growing actively during the early to mid summer periods, after other annual legumes have finished their growth cycle. It has relatively good resistance to insect and disease attack.

Yellow serradella is characterised by having a very high percentage of hard seeds, prostrate growth habit and yellow flowers. Cultivars of pink serradella, which have been available in the past, have been relatively soft seeded. Pink serradella has an erect growth habit and pink flowers. Both are annuals that germinate in autumn/early winter and produce during winter, spring and early summer. Both serradellas are nonbloating and contain condensed tannins. These tannins protect protein in the rumen, which increases protein absorption and digestive efficiency in ruminants.

 

Pink serradella

Cultivar: Emena

Soil pH: Acid-Neutral

Rainfall requirements (mm): 300

Hard seeding rating: 1 

Insect tolerance: High

Days to flower: 90

 

Yellow serradella

Cultivar: Santorini

Soil pH: Acid-Alkaline 

Rainfall requirements (mm): 300

Hard seeding rating: 10

Insect tolerance: High

Days to flower: 100-110