Moore UNIDRILL 300 Manual Download

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G. DIRECT DRILLING GRASS PASTURES.

Four methods are suggested for direct reseeding grass into grass pastures

If the pasture has been badly poached or there are bare patches due to frost kill etc., over

the winter, about 110 Kg/Hectare of a vigorous growing type of grass (e.g. Italian Rye
Grass) should be drilled just before growth starts (March / April).

Where a first cut or second cut of silage is being taken, cut low to the ground and direct

drill the new grass mixture the next day. There should be enough moisture retained in
the soil to germinate the seed and get it growing before the cut sward can fully recover.

. Graze the pasture as bare as possible, then spray Gramoxone (1.4 Litres/Hectare) and

direct drill the new seed mixture. The Gramoxone used at a low rate will not kill all the
old grass sward but should retard its growth sufficiently to get the new seeds established.

D.  Where the old pasture is very weedy and a complete reseed is required, spray with
Roundup to get a total kill of vegetation. Leave the field for the recommended period
and direct drill with the new seed mixture. To get a better grass cover, cross drilling at
an angle (30 - 45 degrees is recommended, especially with the wider row spacing
UNIDRILLS. Check the reseeds for Leather Jacket, slug or fruit fly damage and treat
accordingly. Grass sown after 1st August should be sprayed with pre-emergence with
Dursban or Spannit to protect from fruit fly and leather jackets. Slug pellets should be
used as required.

H. PREVENTING SOIL COMPACTION

Whenever possible, use low-pressure tyres on all machines operated in fields in

order to reduce superficial compaction

Mounting wide tyres or dual wheels is not enough, the tyre pressure must be adjusted
accordingly. Aim for 0.6 Bar, according to the tyre manufacturer’s recommendations. As the
UNIDRILL is a towed seed drill, it exerts no weight on the rear tractor wheels and does not
require counterweights to be mounted at the front.

Reduce the load per axle to avoid in-depth soil compaction.

Avoid loads over 6 tons per axle, if heavier trailers must be used, park them at the field
entrance. Prefer lightweight trailers, as the UNIDRILL requires little tractor power,
moderately powerful - and therefore light weight - tractors are sufficient.

Till on dried-out ground.

Be patient and wait for the right time of year before starting tillage. According to scientists
as soon as drying soil changes colour, it acquires resistance to compaction. After 4 or 5
years of conservation tillage, the ground drains water faster and becomes more resilient,
which reduces the necessary waiting time. More humus in the soil increases its ability to
carry weight without compacting

Provide calcium and magnesium to compensate the grounds eventual acidity.

Aim to maintain a PH of 6.5 - 7 to ensure optimal stability of the clay-humus compound.

Enrich the soil with organic matters to preserve it from compaction and to

increase its resilience.

Leave straw and culture residues on the ground, spread manure, grow fodder plants and
avoid power harrowing.

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