Drilling vs. Broadcast Seeding
Most sowings on irrigated soils are drilled. The advantages of drilling over broadcasting include a more uniform depth, some reduction (up to 20%) of seeding rate, more uni- form emergence, and the ability to place a starter fertilizer (a low-nitrogen, high-phos- phorus fertilizer) with the seed. The advantage of broadcast seeding is that it permits large acreages to be sown in less time; the disadvantages are poor soil to seed contact, uneven planting depths (some seed too shallow for proper emergence of permanent root systems, and other seed too deep for germination), and, often, poor plant distribution. Broadcast seeding is successful when soil conditions are optimal, the seedbed is prepared properly, and rainfall or irrigation follows broadcasting and harrowing.