Drill seeding is a way of placing seeds within small furrows in the soil surface at a relatively uniform rate. Many species, such as fourwing saltbush demonstrate greater emergence when drill seeded compared to other seeding approaches [1]. Warm seeded species tend to do well when placed ¼ - ½ inch deep into the seed bed. For drill seeding, as well as broadcast seeding, seed size can modify seeding rates. For example, small seeded species can separate from the seed mix during the seeding operation [2]. This can be solved by the use of seedballs.
Resources
- Seed establishment techniques and seeding specifications
- Drill seeding overview
- Conservation Planting Methods for Native and Introduced Species
- How to Sow Wildflower Seeds
- Comparing Three Common Seeding Techniques for Pipeline Vegetation Restoration: A Case Study in South Texas
- Calibrating Drills and Broadcast Planters for Small-Seeded Forages
- Seeding Your Site: Methods, Rates and More!
- Pasture Establishment: Which Seeding Method Should You Use?
- Seed use in the field: delivering seeds for restoration success - Shaw et al 2020 - Restoration Ecology
References
[1] Cox RD, Anderson VJ. Increasing native diversity of cheatgrass-dominated rangeland through assisted succession. Journal of Range Management. 2004;57(2):203–210. doi:10.2307/4003920
[2] John LS, Tilley D, Scianna J, Jacobs J, Ogle D, Majerus M, Holzworth L. Mixing seed with rice hulls. Boise (ID) and Bozeman (MT): US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.; 2012. p. 16. Technical Note Plant Materials Report No.: 7 (revised). https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmctn11458.pdf