Reseeding a First Year Alfalfa filed

[bobm6996]

Have a 12 acre field that was no till drill seeded in the spring with oats, alfalfa and grasses. We have cut and baled the oats off and in the next week or so will be cutting and baling the field. There are a few areas where the alfalfa is pretty scarce and I want to reseed this fall to try and fill. I created a post about a month ago asking for ideas on how to do this and one suggestion seemed like a good approach, use a slit seeder. I have been trying to find a rental place with no luck in the Indianapolis area, plan to keep calling around.

If this search continues to be difficult would it be possible to just use a drill? I have a friend who has a 10 ft. drill that he has told me I could use if ever needed. I would not be able to till the ground, so just curious if I could do this?

 

[Joe Blackeby]

Last I checked seed was expensive.
Drill is gonna blow throw seed quick.
SOGOTP. Do U want grass or alfalfa?????
Make up ur mind and check back, Cheers, JoeB

 

[flusher]

I'd lightly disc the bare spots in the field and then plant alfalfa using a grain drill with a grass seed box that can handle the tiny alfalfa seeds. You can drag a chain behind the drill to cover the seed and or use a roller to press the seed into contact with the soil (very important to get efficient germination). I don't think a regular grain drill would work well in untilled soil so I wouldn't waste seed on that approach.

You also need to consider that alfalfa is auto-toxic, i.e the established plants will kill newly germinated seedlings. That may not be a problem in your thin areas.

Good luck.