Planting Methods: Broadcasting vs. Drilling
Cover Crop Planning Guide. For more information or to view the full guide visit: SFB+Planning-Planting-Termination+Guide-2024-1.pdf (squarespace.com) Photo courtesy of Seeds for Bees ®
Broadcasting Broadcast units are a widely available and affordable option. Broadcasters scatter the seed across the surface of the soil and are a popular method for planting cover crops. It is recommended to loosen the soil bed before spreading the seed. Once broadcasted, measures should be taken to incorporate the seed into the soil. Seed can be shallowly incorporated into the soil with a pass using your existing equipment, such as a roller or cultipacker, a light discing, or dragging a piece of chain link fence to ensure adequate seed-to-soil contact. Sandier soils are more favorable for broadcasting seed as they provide a fluffy seedbed conducive to seedling germination. In contrast, compacted or crusted soils will require more attention to bed preparation. If broadcasting into heavy clay or crusted soils, a light discing may be needed to create a seedbed suitable for germination. If you have heavy soils or are in a particularly dry region, a seed drill or no-till drill may be a better option to address these potentially limiting conditions.
Upper left: seed size comparisons are being made while calibrating a SureFeed Broadcaster to plant cover crop seeds in an almond orchard. Bottom left: A chain link fence is dragged behind a mule to incorporate seeds after being broadcasted. Photos courtesy of Project Apis m.
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2024
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