Aerating and Seeding the Fields and Paddocks
Here in Bedford, New York, we’re expecting rain throughout today with temperatures in the high 50s - good weather for all the recent seeding we’ve done in the paddocks and hayfields.
When I moved to this farm, I designated three separate areas as hayfields and planted them with a mixture of timothy, orchard grass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and clovers - all great for producing quality hay. These fields are also well-maintained. The same areas are regularly treated with agricultural lime to correct any acidity of the soil, eradicate any noxious weeds, and raise the overall health of the land. And, most recently, the fields were aerated and over-seeded by field-expert and farmer, Alan Keeley.
Enjoy these photos.
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- This is one of three large fields at my farm – I specifically wanted to use these fields to produce good, natural hay for my five Friesians, Fell Pony and five miniature donkeys.
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- Before aerating or seeding can begin, the fields are cleared of any leaves leftover from last fall. Here’s Dawa blowing the leaves and debris with one of our new STIHL backpack blowers. This blower is powerful and fuel-efficient. The gasoline-powered engines provide enough rugged power to tackle heavy debris while delivering much lower emissions. I have been using STIHL’s dependable equipment for years.
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- For the hayfields, I chose a seed mix that includes 85-percent orchard grass and fescue, and 80-percent timothy hay. These grasses make a higher quality hay product.
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- Alan is a very experienced and knowledgeable farmer. He brought his own tractor and aerating and seeding equipment for this job.
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- This machine is called an AERA-Vator. It comes in 40-inch, 60-inch, and 80-inch widths, with or without a seed-box or hopper.
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- The AERA-Vator allows one to aerate and seed at the same time which increases the odds of germination.
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- This hopper holds about 400-pounds of grass seed. Alan can go around the fields multiple times before having to refill. Alan makes periodic stops to recheck the seed supply. The hopper can be adjusted to drop more or less seed depending on the field’s needs.
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- These are the seed tubes. The grass goes through the tubes and onto the surface as the machine aerates the field.
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- On this side of the AERA-Vator are the vibrating tines that loosen and penetrate the soil, with nine holes per square foot. As the AERA-Vator runs over the field, these finger-like tines push into the soil making the holes.
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- On the other side, the rotary bar helps vibrate the tines to break up the soil and loosen the roots. This helps to push the seeds into the soil, and increase water absorption.
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- The tires of Alan’s tractor are specifically designed for agricultural use. The extra-large tread pattern allows the vehicle to stay above the soil without getting stuck, especially in moist patches.
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- Alan takes the AERA-Vator through different turf conditions. Some areas are wetter than others.
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- Here is what is left after the AERA-Vator goes over the grass. Here, one can see the holes left behind by the vibrating tines. Look closely and you may even see a couple of grass seeds.
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- Alan goes up and down the field from north to south.
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- And overlaps his passes, so he doesn’t miss any areas. Aerating also greatly increases oxygen to the hay roots and provides better air circulation.
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- Here he comes again after another pass. The tractor will make many passes up and down the field before it is finished.
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- And here is a wider view of the area that has been aerated and seeded – it is easier to see here, where Alan has gone.
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- The best day to do this is when there is little to no wind, so the application can be done as evenly as possible. The weeping willows look so beautiful in the distance.
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- Alan also covers the back hayfields.
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- Here he comes around for another pass.
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- And he also does the paddocks. For the paddocks, in addition to orchard-grass seeds and timothy hayseeds, ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass seeds are increased for better summer grazing.
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- I checked in with Alan while out for a ride on Rinze, one of my handsome Friesians. I am looking forward to seeing how the fields look come summer.
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