SEEDING CEREALS BY AIR AND GROUND

Abstract

In this trial, oats (Avena sativa ’Alma’), wheat (Triticum aestivum ’Opal’) and barley (Hordeum vulgare ’Loyola’) seeded extra early by air did not compare favorably with these cereals seeded by ground methods 2–3 wk later. Cereals sown by air did not penetrate the soil and were unevenly dispersed. Because covering operations were not possible, much of the exposed seed was eaten by birds and germination was low. This resulted in reduced cereal stands and grain yields, and increased weed population. The conventional drill seeder was the best machine to seed cereals, in terms of the above parameters. The broadcast fertilizer spreader followed immediately by alight harrowing was a close second. Passage of the spring-tooth harrow before drilling or after seeding by broadcast methods greatly enhanced population and yield and reduced weed numbers. Because broadcast seed must be covered, date of seeding, even by air, will be determined by the date at which the soil is dry enough to permit harrowing.