The productivity ofTrifolium repensL. cv. Ladino, under irrigation in the subtropical region of Gauteng, South Africa, is unknown. The performance ofT. repenswas determined over five years (1981/1982 to 1985/1986), at two defoliation frequencies, four levels of nitrogen (0, 400, 800 and 1 600 kg N ha−1‐ total applied over five years), and either the removal or recycling of harvested material. Frequent, compared to infrequent defoliation, resulted in higher dry matter (DM) yields from the second year onwards. Dry matter yields were positively affected by the recycling of material, compared to no recycling. A mean DM yield of 191 ha−1in the first year and 12 t ha−1in the final year, was obtained. The highest DM yields occurred during October for all years and lowest DM yields from January to March. The first and final year showed similar peaks (late October) and troughs (March till April). Crude protein (CP) content of the herbage was influenced more by frequency of defoliation than recycling of material, where the highest CP content in any year was obtained from frequent defoliation. Nitrogen fertiliser applied up to a total of 1 600 kg N ha−1over five years had no effect on either DM yield or crude protein content. This study has shown thatT.repenscould be a productive pasture for at least five years in the subtropical region of Gauteng, South Africa. Productivity and quality ofT. repenswere enhanced by a defoliation interval of less than five weeks and when soil high fertility was maintained by recycled plant material.