| SHORT ANSWER: Almost any well-adjusted planter can be
used to sow alfalfa.
EXPLANATION: Many different brands of planters are used
successfully for alfalfa stand establishment. For the most part, the brand
(and even the type) of planter is not as important as the adjustments and
maintenance of the equipment.
Placing the correct amount of seed, at the proper depth, in
firm contact with the soil is the prime objective when sowing alfalfa. A
good way to reduce the cost of establishing alfalfa is to use only the amount
of seed necessary, placed in a good environment. Placing seed too deep or
on the surface wastes seed. This means that equipment must be properly adjusted
and calibrated to apply the correct amount of seed. As soil conditions change
within a field or from field to field, equipment should be adjusted for optimum
placement.
Common types of planters used for successful alfalfa establishment
are discussed below.
Specialized drills have a box for small seeds and disk
openers with depth bands to accurately place the seed 1/4 to 3/4 inch deep.
Packer wheels firm soil over and around seeds. This type of drill is especially
good on very firm seedbeds. This is the preferred way to plant in late September
when trying to plant to a stand without additional
rain.
Double corrugated roller seeders drop the seed between
the corrugated rollers. The first roller breaks small clods and firms the
seedbed. The second roller splits the ridges made by the first roller, covers
the seed, and provides additional firming of the soil. While these are considered
the best alfalfa seeders for many soils, they may leave sandy soils vulnerable
to wind erosion.
Grain drills, equipped with small-seed attachments,
can accurately meter alfalfa seed. However, it is difficult to place the
seed at the proper depth.
When using a grain drill, it is a common practice to disconnect
the drop tubes from the shanks to allow the seeds to fall onto the soil surface.
If the drill is equipped with press wheels, the tubes should be secured so
that seeds fall in front of these wheels. If the drill does not have press
wheels, a roller should be used immediately following planting to help improve
seed placement and seed-soil contact.
Seeders, mounted on flotation-wheeled vehicles, can
sow alfalfa fields rapidly and accurately. Seed is metered from a hopper
and carried through tubes along booms (20 to 50 ft. long) with air. These
machines work well on fluffy, dry, sandy soils that cannot be firmed by rolling.
Seed is blown onto the soil from delivery tubes spaced 6 to 12 inches along
the booms. Lightly packing, dragging a chain, or harrowing will cover seed.
The main advantage to this type seeder is rapid speed. Producers can plant
several acres per minute, an important point just before predicted
rains.
Aerial broadcasting onto properly prepared seedbeds
is another method used to plant alfalfa with good success. Be certain to
use an aerial applicator experienced in broadcasting alfalfa. Because uniform
application can be a problem with broadcast planting, two passes in a crossing
pattern are often required. After aerial broadcasting, it is advisable to
roll fields to assure good soil contact with
seed.
-till or minimum-tillage drills can do a good job of
placing alfalfa seed at the correct depth. When establishing alfalfa on steep
slopes or otherwise erosive or shallow soils, it is suggested that minimum
tillage be used for seedbed preparation. |
