TIPS FOR USING THE GREAT PLAINS NO-TILL DRILL
1. Slow down- Planting native grass seed should be done at 3-5 MPH. This ensures proper seed placement, higher germination rates, and reduces packing and clumping of fluffy seed.
2. Proper depth- The proper depth for planting is 1/4 inch. Seed planted deeper than 1/2 inch will probably not germinate.
3. Filling the seed box- Fill the seed box loosely, Packed seed will cause the calibration to be inaccurate.
4. Monitor the seed level- Keep the seed level inthe drill box above the agitator shaft.
5. Soil moisture at planting- If the soil is wet enough to stick to the drill coulters, it is too wet to plant. Fluffy native grass seed will stick to the soil on the coulters and result in an uneven or poor stand of native grass.
6. Monitor the drill- Make sure the drop tubes are not clogged. If a tube is clogged, unplug it immediately.
7. Recheck the rate-Check the rate during planting to make sure the rate is accurate.
8. Transporting to the next field- Seed settles and packs when the drill is moved while out of gear. Manually stir the seed in the drill before planting again.
9. Grease the drill- The Great Plains drill should be re-greased after every 10 acres to ensure proper lubrication. If you are seeding more than ten acres, you are expected to do this.