750a grass drilling

[dontknowanything]

I've been asked by a friend to come and rejuvenate some of his horse paddocks by ditching in some new grass seed. I don't see why this would be OK, but would appreciate some tips on setup from those with experience, I'd imagine @Simon Chiles has done it?

 

[Simon Chiles]

I've been asked by a friend to come and rejuvenate some of his horse paddocks by ditching in some new grass seed. I don't see why this would be OK, but would appreciate some tips on setup from those with experience, I'd imagine @Simon Chiles has done it?

Of course, in prime equestrian area. The trouble is that most horse paddocks have been abused all winter and are in no fit state for direct seeding. Firstly from compaction, most horse owners sort the mess with a heavy flat roll when the soil is like plasticine and secondly trying to get uniform seeding in the uneven poached mess. However if you are lucky enough to find a paddock that is suitable it can be very successful. Personally, to do a proper job, I'd get a grass mix specially made up. Horse paddocks and rides benefit from a higher percentage of creeping red fescue ( withstands poaching better than ryegrass) than most commercially available mixes have in them.

 

[dontknowanything]

Of course, in prime equestrian area. The trouble is that most horse paddocks have been abused all winter and are in no fit state for direct seeding. Firstly from compaction, most horse owners sort the mess with a heavy flat roll when the soil is like plasticine and secondly trying to get uniform seeding in the uneven poached mess. However if you are lucky enough to find a paddock that is suitable it can be very successful. Personally, to do a proper job, I'd get a grass mix specially made up. Horse paddocks and rides benefit from a higher percentage of creeping red fescue ( withstands poaching better than ryegrass) than most commercially available mixes have in them.

Do you think it needs to be cross drilled? Are there any problems that come from drilling shallow, I'd imagine it's not really going to close the slot?

 

[Simon Chiles]

Do you think it needs to be cross drilled? Are there any problems that come from drilling shallow, I'd imagine it's not really going to close the slot?

You'll have to seed it very shallow, creeping red fescue and Timothy doesn't like being deeper than 1/2 inch although larger ryegrass can cope with an inch. Cross drilling would be favourite ( and would help with slot closing) but I've never found anyone who wants to pay for it. A reasonable compromise is to not shut the fan speed down too much so that 75% of the seed is in the slot and the rest blown on the surface. Consolidation is the key to grass seed establishment so flat rolling afterwards would be of benefit.

 

[dontknowanything]

You'll have to seed it very shallow, creeping red fescue and Timothy doesn't like being deeper than 1/2 inch although larger ryegrass can cope with an inch. Cross drilling would be favourite ( and would help with slot closing) but I've never found anyone who wants to pay for it. A reasonable compromise is to not shut the fan speed down too much so that 75% of the seed is in the slot and the rest blown on the surface. Consolidation is the key to grass seed establishment so flat rolling afterwards would be of benefit.

4000rpm?

 

[Simon Chiles]

4000rpm?

I'd go for 2500/3000 but not flip the butterfly restrictor over.

 

[Simon Chiles]

I'd go for 2500/3000 but not flip the butterfly restrictor over.

... and don't forget to reset the fan speed alarm!

 

[cows sh#t me to tears]

Sow virtually nothing else but rye and clovers here. Openers set at minimum depth, fan at about 3800 . Ryegrass tillers well enough to fill out if you sow it thick enough. 25kg/h here for dairy grazing..

 

[dontknowanything]

I'd go for 2500/3000 but not flip the butterfly restrictor over.

Do you mean have the restrictor on the high airflow setting?

 

[Simon Chiles]

Do you mean have the restrictor on the high airflow setting?

Yes. Normally you'd close the butterfly valve in the fan air flow for fine seeds but if you just leave it open and cut the fan speed you'll get enough airflow to blow a small ( about 20-25 ) % of the grass seed out of the slot and left between the rows to help fill in. Often grass will germinate ok on the surface but it's much safer planted 1/2 inch deep if the soil starts to dry out. Obviously cross drilling is the best solution but I find this an acceptable compromise especially when customers don't want to pay twice.