Any tips on unidrill penetration?

[Chalky]

To remove some permanent pasture that became permanent under uncropped areas on miscanthus energy crop scheme, we have done the risk assessment (supposed archeology beneath the soil) and we can direct drill a summer flowering cover, to be followed by a wildflower grass mix that we can then use for greening, so it becomes some use at least. Cultivation not an option given the prescriptive restrictions.

Very heavy carr land, grassed in a poor grass crop for 12 years or so, sprayed off in March. The drill will run clean without blocking, but not get the penetration to successfully sow( it does in places, have gone for a largeish seeded mix so we can aim deep and accept shallower but still get a result either way)

We have had rain amazingly, about 30mm over the last couple of weeks I guess, Still cracks in soil though. 3m box drill borrowed/hired on an ad hoc' tell us what you did' basis. On full pressure-try to ballast? or just wait for the cracks to close, ie. wait till wetter.

 

[yellow belly]

To remove some permanent pasture that became permanent under uncropped areas on miscanthus energy crop scheme, we have done the risk assessment (supposed archeology beneath the soil) and we can direct drill a summer flowering cover, to be followed by a wildflower grass mix that we can then use for greening, so it becomes some use at least. Cultivation not an option given the prescriptive restrictions.

Very heavy carr land, grassed in a poor grass crop for 12 years or so, sprayed off in March. The drill will run clean without blocking, but not get the penetration to successfully sow( it does in places, have gone for a largeish seeded mix so we can aim deep and accept shallower but still get a result either way)

We have had rain amazingly, about 30mm over the last couple of weeks I guess, Still cracks in soil though. 3m box drill borrowed/hired on an ad hoc' tell us what you did' basis. On full pressure-try to ballast? or just wait for the cracks to close, ie. wait till wetter.

you can add weight spare leaf weights
I had one moore which had water in the wheels to ad weight this can increase the weight on the press wheel

when setting the depth do not try to go for maximum depth as that takes weight off the closeing rollers and leaves the seed on the top
slower speed helps
with a borrowed drill the coulters may be set on the disc for small seed or cultivated land and close to the edge of the disc
for deeper drilling further away from the edge may be better and slow speed allows the seed to land in the bottom of the slot

 

[Simon C]

Weight it down, You can just see from this photo, I have 8, 45kg front weights strapped onto the platform, makes it twice the machine, especially when drilling small seeds. I never take them off, but have been meaning to make a shelf to carry them under the platform because they are always in the way.

 

[Chalky]

In fairness unballasted at the mo. Tussocky nature of grass. Penetrates an inch at best in places. Cracks in soil an inch wide in evidence. Turfy nature of all soil. I thought it would go ok. I was wrong! Very unlike pictures above!! Though have drilled through frozen ground witha 4m in the past; but that was cultivated previously.Thought it would boss it.