Spreading Fertilizer and Seed
Filed under: Ask Grant, Food Plots
In the Field Day 2010 episode at The Proving Grounds you mentioned that if the seed and fertilizer came in contact there is a reduced germination rate of the seed. If I am limited to broadcasting the seed and fertilizer, what is your recommendation to get the seed into the ground and apply the fertilizer without the risk of the reduced germination rate? Thanks, Scott
Scott,
Seed and fertilizer can be mixed and spread successfully! The key to success in this process is limiting the amount of time the fertilizer is in direct contact with the seed. I’m comfortable with them being mixed for four hours or less. I wouldn’t want the seed to be mixed with fertilizer for 24 hours.
I don’t think there are any problems with broadcasting the seed and fertilizer separately on the field. There may be a few seeds that are in direct contact with the fertilizer as result of this method, but not enough to cause concern. However, I usually mix fertilizer and seed if they are to be spread soon. I prefer this over making two trips across the field to limit the amount of compaction, etc., that result from each trip across the plot with heavy equipment.
Growing Deer together,
Grant
