All forage species have unique growth and production characteristics, environmental tolerances, and wildlife benefits. Inoculate legumes with the correct rhizobium. Use a sticking agent and inoculate just prior to seeding. When seeding early, young forage seedlings are better able to outcompete weeds, withstand grasshopper infestations, and cope with poor weather conditions. Avoid seeding forages too deep.
Most seeding failures are due to seeding too deep.
Proper seed placement is easier when seeding into a firm, moist seedbed. Optimum seeding depth is generally .5 to .75 inches. Seeding equipment must provide adequate seed metering, seed placement and seed packing. Soon after seeding begins, check to make sure equipment is working well and doing an adequate job metering, placing and packing forage seeds. Make adjustments when necessary.