Seedling density should be determined after crop emergence. If fewer seedlings are present, the cause of the reduced stand should be determined. If all causes other than seeding rate can be eliminated, then higher seeding rates should be used in the future. Considerations for Broadcast Seeding Broadcast seeding, which is usually done with a lime spreader, is a quick way to plant large acreage. It requires at least 50 percent more seed per acre than is used when drilling small grain, and it also requires disking or harrowing to give good seed-soil contact.
Broadcast seeding often results in more uneven stands and lower yields than drilling.
To follow soybeans, seed as the first leaves begin to drop. Following cotton, seed just before defoliation. The small grain can be injured or killed if it is growing when a desiccant is used. If no desiccant is used, seed when the leaves begin to drop. The leaves will form a mulch that conserves moisture and enhances germination.