April 2008

Sowing the seeds of precision

Reseeding is a key element of many renovation programmes, but accuracy is needed to ensure the best possible germination and ultimately the improved condition of the pitch. Campey Turfcare gives some pointers.

Spring provides the opportunity to renovate winter sports pitches in optimum growing conditions, with water, warmth and air freely available to encourage new seeds to grow. But, to get the best results, choosing the right seeding equipment can be crucial, suggests Simon Gumbrill of groundcare machinery specialists Campey Turfcare.

Grass seed prices have increased by some 25%, so the need to sow accurately has become imperative, he points out. Using the wrong equipment is not only costly in terms of seed wastage, but also the groundsman’s time at what can be a very busy period, while fuel costs continue to rise. And if reseeding is not effective, the surface can be out of play for longer than expected or require additional renovation later in the year.

However, Simon explains that by utilising seed efficiently, groundsmen can justify trying some of the latest premium cultivars which can provide improved colour, wear resistance and adaptability to our increasingly variable climate.

Traditional techniques have focused on broadcasting seed onto a surface which may have been prepared with a spiked roller of some sort to open up the sward and expose soil in which the seed can germinate. This can lead to delayed, uneven and generally disappointing germination.

Groundsmen should take a good look at the equipment they are using, he says. Machines which can be calibrated more accurately give better germination which in itself leads superior growth and a better playing surface. As less seed is needed to achieve the required germination rates, no seed is wasted and costs can be reduced.

On the Vredo Overseeder marketed by Campey Turfcare, seed is precisely metered using a landwheel driven gearbox. Seeding rates can be calibrated from 0-100g/sqm to match the recommendations of the seed supplier and further adjustment allows for different seed sizes.

Good seed to soil contact is another must to provide access to air, water and nutrients while the seedlings become established.

Broadcast seeders simply drop the seed into a surface which has been dimpled by a sorrel roller or similar. But for the ideal seed to soil contact it needs to be placed into a slot, which provides the right growing environment and offers protection from birds and from the elements.

On the Vredo seeders, angled discs create this slot for the seed by slicing through the sward, with a roller following behind to firm the surface.
Seed travels down a tube between the discs and is placed in the slot with an air pocket below to allow root growth. The roller has the effect of protecting the seed, but also smoothes the turf, helping with a quick return to play, comments Simon.

Choosing a seeder to suit the type of turf being renovated also boosts efficiency: too small and light a seeder may not be accurate on the more demanding terrain of playing fields or fairways and the process will be time consuming, whereas fine turf needs a unit which can be pulled by a suitably lightweight tractor and can offer closer spacing to give a tight, fine sward.

The Vredo range includes the Compact Series, which with a seeding width of 7.5cm, is ideal for sportsfield work. Models have working widths from 1.0 to 2.2m, utilising tractors from 20-70hp. Using the tractor hydraulics for depth control, the Compact can perform on most types of turf, placing a variety of seeds to their optimum depth. Hopper capacities up to 220 litres make it a good option for contractors or others with a large workload.

On fine turf or cricket outfields, the double disc system of the Supa-Compact gives a seeding width of 3.5cm, producing a high quality result with finer cultivars. Using a hydraulic lifting frame, this range can be towed with the smallest tractors or three-point linkage mounted and is available in four sizes from 80cm to 1.6m working widths.

Groundsmen may baulk at the price of a precision seeder compared to a broadcaster, but while finance packages are more commonly associated with tractors, they can be a good way to spread the cost of such a useful implement over three or five years, during which time the savings and benefits offered will become clear.

Reseeding can be an ideal way to improve turf quality and appearance while enabling playing surfaces to withstand longer and busier seasons, so the right machinery can be a worthwhile investment, concludes Simon Gumbrill.