Broadcast or drill annual lespedeza in February, if a burn is not planned, or after the burn. Nitrogen uptake by the nwsg is better and fewer problems will occur from cool-season competition if nitrogen is applied in years the planting is burned. Nitrogen should not be used in an attempt to restore nwsg that have been severely weakened by improper management. They should be rested one half to a full summer to restore vigor before adding N. Seedbeds Nwsg may be planted into clean-tilled seedbeds or killed sods. Clean-tilled seedbeds should be fine textured and firm, preferably rolled.
Several methods work well.
Plow deep in late fall to put weed seeds too deep to sprout. Disk shallow in the spring to keep from bringing up weed seeds and to kill sprouted weeds. Roll or harrow 2-3 times prior to planting. Mow the stubble to 4-6 inches shortly before or soon after seeding. This will provide better erosion control on highly erosive ground but the field may retain the roughness of the crop rows making mowing or haying more difficult.