Pasture Establishment: Which Seeding Method Should You Use?
What is the most effective pasture seeding method? The most effective and efficient pasture seeding method is drill seeding. It allows for precise control over the rate of application, seeding depth, and row spacing, which results in a higher success rate and improved crop yield. Seed drills can be used in both conventional tillage and no-till situations, though the latter requires specialized equipment.
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I might spend a lot of time in front of a computer as part of my job here at Nature’s Seed, but my favorite place to be is out working with the land. This week I was able to do just that. After weeks of waiting, the weather finally calmed down enough to get my own pasture seeded. The process began last year with a soil test and survey, weed control, tillage and extensive planning. As I tell our customers, establishing a pasture is a process that should start months before any seed hits the soil. As part of the planning process you’ll need to consider what seeding method will work best for your new pasture.
Planning for a Successful Pasture Seeding
Seedbed Conditions
The first factor that will determine your seeding method is whether you will be planting onto a no-till seedbed or a conventional, tilled seedbed. Conventional tillage involves using plows, discs and harrows to work the soil and provides a fresh, smooth surface for planting. With conventional tillage, weeds and other vegetation are removed and incorporated into the soil leaving a bare seedbed. On the other hand, no-till is a method of establishing a pasture without tillage.
Available Equipment
The second factor that will determine your seeding method is the type of equipment you have available. Unless you’re a farmer, you probably don’t have a large collection of seeding equipment to choose from. Most hobbyists and smaller landowners will rent their equipment or hire someone to perform custom farm work. Some equipment rental businesses have seeding equipment available for rent, or you can contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for help with finding equipment or custom operators for hire.
Seeding Equipment and Techniques
Broadcast Seeding
Broadcast seeding is the most basic seeding method. It can be done with a hand-held seed spreader (for smaller pastures) or a larger spreader attached or pulled by an ATV, truck or small tractor. Broadcast seeding works best in combination with conventional tillage. For best results, use a cultipacker to press the seed into the soil after seeding, or lightly rake the area to work the seeds into the soil. Broadcasting can also be used in no-till situations; however the success rate decreases as proper seed-to-soil contact is often lost. Broadcasting is the cheapest method and can be done on rough or steep terrain where other methods can’t be used. On the downside, broadcast seeding can result in uneven seed distribution and requires a higher seeding rate. It’s also difficult to control planting depth.
Cultipack Planters
Another method is to use a cultipack planter. These specialized planters can be pulled using an ATV or tractor. Instead of flinging the seed onto the soil surface like the broadcast method does, with a cultipack planter the seed is dropped onto the soil surface from a hopper. After the seed is dropped, a roller presses the seed into the soil. This method works best in conventional tillage situations. Cultipack planting is similar to broadcasting, but distribution is improved and it combines two steps into one. Planting depth is still difficult to control and will depend on soil firmness. Improved seed-to-soil contact is a major benefit of this method over simple broadcasting, leading to better germination rates for your chosen pasture seed mix. However, it still requires relatively smooth, prepared ground to operate effectively. If you are starting a new pasture from scratch, a cultipack planter can be a great intermediate option.
Comparing Pasture Seeding Methods
Drill Seeding
The most effective and efficient seeding method is drill seeding. Drill seeding can be used in both no-till and conventional tillage situations. This method employs the use of a mechanical seed drill pulled by a tractor. In one pass, a seed drill opens a furrow in the soil, places the seed in the furrow at a controlled depth and then covers the seed. Every aspect can be controlled precisely – rate of application, seeding depth and row spacing. Pastures seeded using drills tend to have a higher success rate and improved crop yield. Because the seed is covered it’s protected from the sun, wind and birds and is able to access moisture easier. Drill seeding does require a tractor and can’t be used on rough or steep terrain. It also struggles with some of the more fluffy seeds, like certain types of switchgrass. No-till situations require specialized seed drills capable of cutting through existing vegetation and residue.
Comparing Success Rates
When selecting your method, the primary consideration should be the likelihood of success, which is often tied to achieving optimal seed-to-soil contact and proper planting depth. Research from the USDA Agricultural Research Service consistently shows that drill seeding generally results in higher, more uniform stands compared to broadcast methods, especially in dry conditions where seed-to-soil moisture is critical. This uniformity is vital for consistent forage production and grazing management. Here is a brief comparison of the three methods.
| Method | Best Seedbed | Control over Depth | Success Rate | Equipment Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast | Conventional | Low | Moderate | Simple spreader (hand/ATV) |
| Cultipack Planter | Conventional | Moderate | Good | Cultipack Planter (ATV/Tractor) |
| Drill Seeding | Conventional/No-Till | High | Highest | Seed Drill (Tractor) |
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