Collaborating Producer: John & Jean Milne, Fairview Alberta
Research Coordinator: Dr. Akim Omokanye
From: Peace Country Beef & Forage Association 2011 Annual Report
Sod seeding is a no-till method that when compared to intensive tillage, offers a variety of benefits. These include increased moisture availability at seeding time, reduced risk from wind and water erosion and reduced soil carbon losses that are associated with intensive tillage practices. Direct seeding into sod further improves economics by decreasing labour and equipment requirements. Following termination of a pasture, hay or grass seed stand, an annual crop is sometimes grown for one or more years before perennial forages are then re-established.
With sod seeding, farmers are able to implement a number of fuel-saving measures that will not only reduce fuel consumption, but also prolong the life of the tractor. By decreasing the amount of fuel used, farmers can lower energy costs, boost the efficiency of farm operations and decrease the amount of harmful emissions rele