Aitchison Seed Drill Available to Local Farmers

Reduced Rate Rentals for Alliance Members

Purchased by members of the USA Regenerative Agricultural Alliance, Inc., this Aitchison, No-Till Seed Drill is the preferred tool for over-seeding pastures or hayfields. Most other drills are designed to sow soybeans approximately 1.5" deep in high-residue corn stalks. The ideal soil coverage for most seeds being sown in pastures is 1/4" to 3/8" deep. When over-seeding pastures or hayfields, there is usually 0.5" to 1" or more of variance in the levelness of the field in a 3' to 5' run.

Why Most Drills Fail
It is impossible for drills that have their depth/press wheels set 1.5' behind the seed delivery to maintain a consistent depth. Possibly over 50% of the small seeds will be too deep or on top of the ground. The Deere 750 Series has more positive depth control, but many owners report that, in many situations, the seed is still buried too deep because the drill is so heavy. Most seeding failures are due to seeds covered with too much soil or left on top of the ground.

The Aitchison Boot
The vibrating tine with the Aitchison boot creates a smear-free, cocoon-shaped mini seedbed. Competing plants have their roots pruned while the inverted T-slot mixes the seeds with the soil. The seeds may be placed 1.5" deep in the inverted T-slot where more moisture is available; however, the seed is consistently covered with only 1/4" to 3/8" of finely tilled soil.

The key that makes the Aitchison completely different is the special design of the Aitchison boot. The bottom surface of the boot compresses a column of soil underneath the seed, which creates a "wick" to conduct moisture upwards. The unique inverted T-shaped slot retains up to eight times more moisture and three times more oxygen than other planting systems, while offering superior seed germination. The loose, tilth-like soil deposited over the seed with the Aitchison system is a poor water conductor and acts as a barrier to stop moisture from evaporating from the seedbed. Seed savings can be 25% or greater over other drills due to improved emergence. This fact is supported by independent trial results.

Aitchison GrassFarmer No-Till Drill

• Add forages to benefit livestock and soils

• The latest technology, saves you time and money

• Plant multiple size seeds simultaneously

• Blankets seeds with a shallow covering of soil

• Improved germination

• Maintains seed to soil contact

• Retains soil moisture

• Increases quick germination

  Unique Design Enables:

• No preparation of soil needed

• Planting of ideal forage mixes in one pass, no matter the size of the seeds

• Firm seed bed establishment

• Deposits seed at ideal depth

To learn more see “Seeds, Seeding Rates, and the Aitchison Drill, with David Bryant” on our Continuing Ed page.