The Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute in Humboldt, Sask. has completed a study of seeding lightweight grasses with air seeders.
The system can be problematic because if seed in the tank bridges, the seed might not flow through the metering system, there can be high variation in seed flow rates to each opener and variations in seeding depth can affect seed emergence.
The test looked at three systems, the Bourgault 3165, Morris 6130 and Flexi-coil 1720.
In order to seed grasses without having to mix the seed with fertilizer or other flowable material, improved seed tank agitation is necessary on most machines to prevent seed bridging and improve distribution through the system, PAMI reported in a written release.
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The institute developed a modified agitator for each air seeder and tested them.
In general, PAMI found the lowest possible recommended fan speed setting should be used, especially if using seed only, not a seed-fertilizer mix.
Knife openers provided better emergence than spoons. Use of seed brakes with a vent screen was not recommended.
Because shallow seeding is a must for grass seed, careful adjustment of the cultivator is critical for best emergence. The cultivator must be leveled from side-to-side and front to back.
Finally, use clean seed to avoid bridging of the outlet ports of the manifolds.
For detailed results on how each of the air seeders did, call PAMI at 800-567-7264 and ask for research update 733, Air Seeding Forage Crops. The report costs $1. Or write PAMI at box 1900, Humboldt, Sask., S0K 2A0.
