Pasture Improvement: Seeding into the Sod

Table of Contents

1. Seeding Into the Sod
2. Other Pasture Improvement Recommendations
   • Choosing the Improvement Technique
   • Rejuvenation
   • Renovation
   • Broadcast Seeding
   • Limited Tillage
   • Frost Seeding
   • Using Livestock to Renovate Pastures
   • Fertilizing Pastures
   • Nutrient Cycling
   • Soil Tests
   • Impact of Grazing Animals on Pasture Fertility
   • Weed Control
   • Trampling Effects
3. Related Links

Seeding into the Sod

Sod seeding has several advantages over conventional seeding. Reseeding can be done in areas not suitable for ploughing, with a minimum loss of time and pasture production. As most of the soil surface remains undisturbed, few annual weeds germinate and moisture loss from the ground is kept to a minimum.

You can use modified grain drills or specially designed sod seeders to place seed into the soil of an existing sod. This method of renovation has the highest chance of success, as the seed can be placed at the proper depth in close contact with soil particles. The seed can then readily absorb soil moisture for germination.

Limit where you use a modified grain drill to areas with a thin sod and soft ground. Modify the drill by rerouting the seed tubes of the legume seed box so the seed falls into the grain tubes. Adjust the disks to place the seed and fertilizer 0.5-1.5 cm deep.

Sod seeders, designed for seeding into sod, normally do a better job of establishing new stands than modified grain drills. There are various models of sod seeders built to handle different sod conditions, different degrees of stoniness and roughness of terrain. Before renting or buying a sod seeder, check it will handle the conditions presented by the field to be renovated.

The type of groove opener on the sod seeder affects the rate of success. There are 3 basic slot shapes: the "V", the "U", and an inverted "T". The seedling emergence from the "V" shape slot created by double disc openers and the torn or shattered "U" shape made by hoe openers is improved by press wheels operating directly on the seeds at the base of the groves before covering. This brings the seeds into good contact with the soil. It is important that the groves be closed in order to prevent the slot from drying out.

A chisel opener creates an inverted "T" slot in the soil. In dry conditions this slot design is superior to the other two. Under good moisture conditions few differences in seedling emergence are seen. Closure of the "T" grove is improved by using either a bar harrow behind the drill or press wheels.

Related Links

... on forages and pastures, visit Forages and Pastures (OMAFRA)
... on weed control, order Publication 75 Guide to Weed Control: Forage Crops
... on agronomy for field crops, order Pub. 811 Agronomy Guide for Field Crops: Chapter 3 Forages
... on field crop protection, order Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide
... on livestock, visit Livestock (OMAFRA)