Which is Best to Reseed Grass Field??

[wjb-49]

Hello,

I need to reseed some hay fields that were originally seeded about four years ago and need some opinions on the best procedure. These were newly cultivated fields in which we did not get a good stand of fescue.

My first thought was to go over them with a disc harrow to loosen the soil and then cut the new seed in with a cultipacker. That occurred to me first because I have the equipment needed. Some in my community with more experience than I have suggested that I rent a sure stand grass seeder and simply use that with no other preparation. I have also considered starting somewhat from scratch and buy a rotary tiller to use on my Ford 4610 (maybe a Terra Force WJR Series or Sicma T-15, don't know which is best) to cut in the weeds.

Any thoughts on which way is the best?

Thanks.

 

[DT86]

I'd say no to the tiller.

How many acres?

 

[RPW]

I was also about not using the tiller. I'd do with a seed drill. If you could do it just before a rain.

 

[wjb-49]

15 - 20 acres.

 

[DT86]

I'd no-till drill it also. You will save not only time and fuel but also retain more soil moisture and reduce the chance of erosion.

First though, pull a soil sample and try to understand why the previous seed didn't take.

Is this for pasture or other use?

 

[DJ54]

Check with your County Extension Agent. Many have no-till drills you can rent, for so much an acre, and it's pretty reasonable. Bad thing is, you'll have to wait your turn to use it.

Another option is, rent a slit seeder. Most aren't that wide, but are designed to work at 6-8 mph. so you can cover some ground quick. Here, smaller ones rent for $175.00 per day, rather than acres.

 

[smstonypoint]

Another endorsement for soil testing.

Here's some information on the Truax FlexII-88 No-Till Grass Drill that you can rent from the Stokes Soil and Water Conservation District: http://www.stokesswcd.org/pdfs/Newsletter%20Fall-08.pdf.

IMO, you would increase your chances of getting a good fescue stand if you wait until the fall to seed.

Steve

 

[Wakey]

Another endorsement for soil testing. Here's some information on the Truax FlexII-88 No-Till Grass Drill that you can rent from the Stokes Soil and Water Conservation District: http://www.stokesswcd.org/pdfs/Newsletter%20Fall-08.pdf. IMO, you would increase your chances of getting a good fescue stand if you wait until the fall to seed. Steve

I just Googled my county with seed drill and bingo!

Thanks. The amount of seed I won't be wasting will likely pay the rent charges for the drill.

 

[jenkinsph]

Another endorsement for soil testing.

Here's some information on the Truax FlexII-88 No-Till Grass Drill that you can rent from the Stokes Soil and Water Conservation District: http://www.stokesswcd.org/pdfs/Newsletter%20Fall-08.pdf.

IMO, you would increase your chances of getting a good fescue stand if you wait until the fall to seed.

Steve

I agree^^^
Drill the seed in the fall for best results.

 

[wjb-49]

I am aware that our County Extension Office has a no-till grass drill and that using it would probably be the easiest way to go. However, I don't see that it would solve the problem of eliminating the weeds that set up shop in these fields when I didn't have a good stand of fescue. Pre - spraying with a herbicide is not a ready option because I do not have a boom spray. Also, I am planning for fall planting. My original failure to attain a good stand taught me to be patient and wait until fall.

-Barry