Senji or Indian sweet  Clover (Melilotus indica)

Synonyms: Trifolium indicum, Melilotus parviflorus

Senji appears to be a drought resistant clover. It is because of this quality; sometimes this fodder crop is preferred. Though a number of species are available, mostly the yellow and white varieties are used for fodder purposes. Under dry and cold climate, it requires loams to heavy soils for its propagation.  The sowing time of the crop is between September to  the  end  of  October.  Since the  fodder  can  be grown  in unirrigated areas, it is better to sow the crop immediately after the harvest of kharif crop, so that the residual moisture present in the soil can be utilized for the germination of seeds. Under irrigated conditions it gives about 300-350 quintals of fodder/ hectare. Under unirrigated conditions the yield is about 200-250 quintals.

Nutritive value

Indian clover contains 16.57% crude protein and 60% total digestible nutrients. Since it is legume, it is productive ration.