ONE-PASS SEEDER FOR INTRODUCING GRASSES, LEGUMES AND FODDER CROPS INTO SWARDS

A one-pass seeding machine is described which was designed specifically to meet the biolgical requirements for introducing desirable species into existing swards. The machine uses a novel coulter system comprising two discs and a tine to cut a narrow vertical sided slot into the turf, removing a ribbon of the turf to one side and allowing the seed to be placed in mineral soil. Simultaneously, herbicide is applied to the shoulders of the slot reducing the competition of the original sward to the establishing seedlings. An experiment comparing crop establishment using this coulter system with that in a conventional seedbed showed that all crops could establish successfully in the slot with ryegrass establishing equally well in either system but clover favouring the slot system and kale favouring the conventional seedbed. Two further experiments demonstrated the essential benefits of bandspraying and fertilizer application to the establishment of ryegrass and white clover. © 1979.