Growing
Building the Seedbed
A firm seedbed is necessary for hay establishment because the firmness helps keep seeds from being sown too deep, which can cause germination delay and even failure. A firm seedbed helps allow the seed to make good solid contact so that it can readily gain the stored moisture within the soil. This is especially important when using a no-till method of seeding.
When building a seedbed, tillage is usually necessary. Some of the tillage activities may include:
- Plowing
- Disking
- Harrowing
- Cultipacking (Last step prior to seeding, especially important in sandier soils.)
To check if you have prepared a seedbed with the appropriate firmness, take a walk across your
tilled field. You should just be able to see your footprints but not sink in past about ¼ of an inch.
Virginia
Cooperative Extension - Forage establishment: Getting off to a good start.