Renovator or disk?

[bear]

I have about 100 acres of grass that needs renovation. It is thin and weedy. I have looked at an aerway aerator and also considering lightly disking to prepare for overseeding. I have considered drilling but would like to apply more seed than 6 or 71/2 inch spacing would provide. What would be the best way to prepare for spreading or overseeding?

 

[1982vett]

Mind you, I'm in Texas and don't know your soil or your grass but a fellow around here plants ryegrass with a 3-point spreader and pulls an aerway aerator all in one pass.

 

[Stocker Steve]

There are lots of ways to scratch the soil if you do not want to plow.
I think a spring tooth works well if you do not have a lot of rocks.

 

[novatech]

The aeration may do some good. But planting seed in ground that you already know is weak is a waste of money. I believe I would put my money into a soil test and a little fertilizer before spending on seed. You would be surprised at how many seeds are already in the ground once it receives the proper nutrition. Don,t forget to plant some clove to help build the soil.

 

[bear]

I have already started the soil test. I plan to lime and fertilize what ever is required. After seed comes up plan to spray for weeds if needed. If spray is needed I know I will have to reseed legumes. Just looking for the best way to scratch the ground.

 

[SRBeef]

The aeration may do some good. But planting seed in ground that you already know is weak is a waste of money. I believe I would put my money into a soil test and a little fertilizer before spending on seed. You would be surprised at how many seeds are already in the ground once it receives the proper nutrition. Don,t forget to plant some clove to help build the soil.

I would agree with Novatech. The problem with a disk is that it will destroy most of what is already there and leave the ground very bare. It would incorporate the fertilizer and lime however. The Aerway would do some of the same.

Maybe the fert and lime, followed by the Aerway would leave some of your current sod and hidden seed base intact.

However I would strongly recommend you use a no till drill with a small seed attachment. There is no problem with 7-1/2 inches. There are sod solid seeders but they need a much finer worked seedbed to function properly, not an aerway. You are not putting in a Church lawn.

Personally I would find someone with a JD 750 series drill to place the seed following fertilizer, lime and an Aerway. If you are still concerned, run the drill over it twice the second round at a slight angle to the first. Some 750 drills also have a fetililzer box on them to apply the fert below the surface where it needs to be.

The results of using a drill compared to broadcast and dragging etc are dramatic. I second the idea of using a clover based mix but don't forget to add innoculant to the clover seed to make sure it fixes nitrogen for the grasses. see your seed dealer.

Also I would forget the spraying. Don't worry about the weeds. Strip graze it intensively and the cattle will harvest them. Run a mower over what is left. Sprays kill a lot of good plants too. Good luck.

In the end this wil give you a much better

 

[gertguy]

if its weak ground and you put 1 ton of lime and 500 lbs of fertilizer and seed your looking at a big bill. About 400 to 500 an acre.

 

[bear]

Thanks for the replies. Tearing up the ground with a disk was a concern. Appreciate the help!

 

[ERNIBIGB]

I use a 10ft disc pulled lightly, 10ft easy flow drop seeder and12ft cultipacker all pulled in one train. "Poor mans no till drill". Works good at times and other times not too well depending on ground moisture and other variables.
For rye grass i use a shank type aerator followed by the same seeder and packer. More of the seed will come up where the dirt is disturbed. Neither of these is perfect but might offer ideas.
Whatever you use just don't get the seed too deep.