The next step is to select your seeding method.
The double-corrugated-roller seeder, which drops seed uniformly between two corrugated rollers, is an excellent choice for forage crops. The first roller provides additional firmness to the seedbed, and the second roller presses the seeds into contact with the soil. Most of the seeds are covered lightly, which is desirable. This method is called broadcast seeding.
For band seeding-another good method-a grain drill with a legume seed box is used. As shown in Figure 1, hoses from the legume box carry the seed to the soil surface, trailing the drill disks.
Figure 1. This depicts the placement of high-phosphate fertilizer and seed with a grain drill.
You should use the drill to apply 50 to 100 pounds of phosphorus fertilizer per acre about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Place legume seeds directly above this fertilizer band. It is not as critical to place grass seeds directly above the fertilizer band because grass roots branch out, rather than grow straight down as legume roots do.
For best results, press wheels (packer wheels) should follow directly over the seed, pressing the seed into the soil surface. The fertilizer should be covered with soil before the forage seeds are dropped-a process that occurs naturally when soils are in good working condition. A press wheel should then roll over the forage seeds to firm them into the soil surface, about 1/4 to l/2-inch deep.
But which is the better seeding method? In U of I studies (See Table 1), the band seeding method resulted in yields that were equal to or slightly greater than those with broadcast seedings. In particular, soils that are low in readily available phosphorus have produced greater yields with band seeding. Low available phosphorus may result from low natural fertility, inadequate fertilization, low pH, or cold, wet soil.
Table 1. Alfalfa Seeding Methods and Yields at Illinois Test Sites
| Location and number of trials | Band seeding | Broadcast seeding |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb, two trials | 4.57 | 4.48 |
| Urbana, three trials | 5.60 | 5.60 |
| Brownstown, two trials | 3.11 | 2.92 |
