Cloudy With A Chance of Seed
Aerial seeding of cover crops allows lots of acres to be seeded in a short period of time when it is physically impossible to use ground equipment. Cover crops can get a head start on growing even before the existing crop has been harvested, which is especially important in areas with a limited growing season. However, aerial seeding is always riskier (for stand establishment) than drilling or in-corporation of the seeds, so it’s important to do all you can to give the best chance of success.
Timing is very critical and successful operators like to fly covers into standing corn when the corn is dried up about a third of the way up the stalk so that the seed has a better chance of getting to the soil surface and more light can reach the emerging cover crop. For soybeans, it’s best to fly apply the covers at 25-35% leaf yellow as once the leave shave completely turned, they will fall to the soil surface and help protect the seed and hold moisture for the young cover crop. Of course, flying cover seed right before a nice rain always makes things work better if you can arrange that with your applicator and the weatherman! When picking an aerial applicator, make sure you choose one who is experienced in seeding cover crops. Check some references and talk to farmers experienced in having cover crops aerially applied. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about experience, calibration methods, etc.
Articles About This Topic:
5 Steps Before Aerial Seeding Cover Crops
6 Tips for Flying On Cover Crops Successfully
Aerial Seeding Helps Cover Crops Soar
Air Tractor Videos:
Innovative Ways to Seed Cover Crops – Jamie Scott
