Cultipacker needed?

[Mitigator33]

Putting some food plots in for deer. I have a set of disk and a plow but do not have a drag harrow or a cultipacker. I a cultipacker really needed when planting or can I just rig up a fence and drag it and be OK. What are the benefits and reason for the cultipacker over a drag.

I am not a farmer and am a weekend warrior that only farms for deer and turkey so that may help you with the suggestions. I ran a search and read a lot of info already on this subject but wanted to ask anyway. Thanks for your help.

 

[foggy1111]

A cultipacker assures good seed to soil contact and firms the seed bed. The small ridges and indentations also hold moisure and afford better germination.

You can get along without a cultipacker by using a drag, a chain link fence.....or simply packing with multiple passes with a 4 wheeler. However a cultipacer does a better job.

So much will also depend on soil types and if you get a good rain right after you broadcast your seed.

I've planted with and without a packer using the techniques above. The packer gives better results but any method works OK when done correctly.

 

[Mitigator33]

Thank you Foggy!

 

[LeadPoison]

I have planted hundreds of acres of food plots over the past 20 years and have never used a cultipacker. I just give them a light drag with some chain link or some freshly cut brush and let Mother Nature do her thing.

Despite this, I still want one and a tiller! There is something just satisfying about manicured dirt.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Some soils, and some crops respond better if a cultipacker is used. But, as previously mentioned, they aren't a must. I've taken advantage of a couple state programs to pay partial cost on grading and seeding of waterways and filter strips on my farm. To qualify, our soil & water conservation programs REQUIRE use of a cultipacker after seeding. In that case, I used a seeder with an integral cultipacker. There are a number of benefits, although cost is a major consideration too. Those dang things bring a heck-of-a price these days.

 

[Storm56]

I have been food plotting for about 15 years now. For several years I did not use a cultipacker. After I added one I noticed that my germination rates were higher and that the crops came in much more evenly. This also helped with weed control as the plants came up pretty much all at the same time and evenly thus helping to shade out the weeds.

So I would say it pays to use one. What with the high cost of lime, seed, and fertilizer I like to see maximum production for the money spent, and a cultipacker does add to getting the most out of my dollars spent.

 

[flusher]

Some soils, and some crops respond better if a cultipacker is used. But, as previously mentioned, they aren't a must. I've taken advantage of a couple state programs to pay partial cost on grading and seeding of waterways and filter strips on my farm. To qualify, our soil & water conservation programs REQUIRE use of a cultipacker after seeding. In that case, I used a seeder with an integral cultipacker. There are a number of benefits, although cost is a major consideration too. Those dang things bring a heck-of-a price these days.

Right on. I'd love to have a nice 6-ft Brillion seeder but even used these things run $3K.

 

[Mitigator33]

Thanks to all the responses. I have about 6 acres to plant total with 5 different plots so I think I will go ahead and get one that way there are no issues. I am going to be spending a pretty penny on seed, fertilizer and line anyway. Sent of the soil samples last week so we will see what they say.

Thanks again.

 

[deere5105]

Not far from you in Mississippi. We have used a homemade cultipacker on occasion, but usually just run a disk lightly over it after seeding to provide a little cover to the seed. Tried using a drag harrow, but wound up having issues with grass clumping and dragging. So far the disk option seems to work well for us. We usually shoot for 1/4" to 1/2" cover which is barely removing the tracks in most situations.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Not far from you in Mississippi. We have used a homemade cultipacker on occasion, but usually just run a disk lightly over it after seeding to provide a little cover to the seed. Tried using a drag harrow, but wound up having issues with grass clumping and dragging. So far the disk option seems to work well for us. We usually shoot for 1/4" to 1/2" cover which is barely removing the tracks in most situations.

That works too.... Just this past spring, I reseeded a piece of ground where our church tore down an old house on the property. (about 1/2-acre) The demo contractor did a decent job of rough grading, so I disced it up good, threw down about 20lbs of Ky31 Fescue, then set the disc gangs as straight as they'd go and made a pass over everything. The seed germinated quick and filled in for a nice solid stand. In just a few weeks we were MOWING it!

Ya don't always have to do things the most complicated way possible. There's a lot to be said for simple....