For a forage seed is to have a chance of emerging and establishing, the seedbed must allow accurate seeding depth regulation and good seed-to-soil contact.

Regardless of the seeding method (notill, conventional tillage or broadcast) it is very important that seeding depth and seed-to-soil contact be a top priority. Planting forage seeds too deep can exhaust the energy reserves in the seed before the new seedling has emerged. This causes poor seedling establishment which can spell problems (increased weed competition, lower forage yields, and ultimately shorter stand life) for the stand.

Ideally, forages should be planted about 1/4 inch deep. Planting depths greater than 1/2 inch will decrease forage seedling emergence as much as 50%. Seed-to-soil contact is also important because it ensures that the seeds can absorb adequate water from the soil to germinate. Poor seed-to-soil contact slows water absorption and allows water to evaporate out of the seed. Good seed-to-soil contact requires a fine seedbed (no soil clods) and can be improved with press wheels or cultipacking after planting.

So when you are working the field to plant forages remember that a firm seedbed is needed to regulate seeding depth and a fine seedbed maximizes seed-to-soil contact. Creating a firm and fine seedbed is the whole point of preparing the seedbed and the first steps to successfully establishing a great forage stand.

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