As the seasons change, thoughts turn to getting on the field. When it comes to establishing a turf seed production field, there are a few things to consider, so we’ve put together a checklist to help.
- Start off on the right foot and select a field that is generally clean of weeds, specifically fields with sizable wild oat populations and/or quackgrass. Wild oats and quackgrass are a challenge because there are limited in-crop control options, and the weed seeds can be difficult to remove in the cleaning plant. These weeds in your turf seed production field can reduce yields and potentially contaminate your harvest sample.
- Use a pre-seed herbicide. This can be a great way to help control winter annual weeds and any early germinating annual weeds that can be difficult to control. Your Seed Production Specialist can help you identify the right herbicide mix to control your problem weeds without harming the newly planted grasses.
- Plan your companion crop to minimize lodging potential by considering variety selection, seeding rate, and fertility plan. A lodged companion crop can smother the grass beneath it and make it difficult to leave enough stubble to catch snow.
- Build extra phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) into your fertility plan for a grass crop. Seeding is a great time to apply these nutrients for next year’s grass crop as you can incorporate them into the soil where they are more effective.
- Verify your turf seeding rate by starting with just a few bags. Turfgrass seeds are lighter and may meter a little differently than other crops, so by starting off with a few bags and closely monitoring the seeding rate, you can ensure you will have enough for the field.
- Turfgrass seeds are small and benefit from good seed-to-soil contact, but you don’t want to be too deep — ½ inch depth is ideal. Set your machine and check your depth when you start planting to ensure you’re planting the field at an even depth across the entire width of your seeder.
- If you’re planting a cereal like wheat or oats for a companion crop, the turfgrass needs to be seeded in a separate row from the cover crop, which is usually accomplished by seeding the turfgrass in a second pass seeded at an angle to the cereal crop. Some growers use a paired row opener when seeding turfgrasses, with the cereal seeded down the center and the grass seeded out to the sides.
If when it comes down to it, if you find yourself asking more questions, reach out to your BrettYoung Seed Production Specialist. Our team is available all season long to help with whatever you may need.
