Broadcasting Soybeans and Corn

By Brian Digital Office,

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I love your site! I hunt about a 60 acre woods that has a 2 acre opening that I would like to plant. I can’t get farm equipment to the field, so I would like to know if I could broadcast corn and soybeans?

Thanks for a GREAT SITE!

Earvin

Earvin,

Thanks for the kind words! Soybeans and corn can be successfully planted using the broadcast method. However, the seed must have good contact with the soil. Ideally, each seed is covered by soil. This can be accomplished by using a drag, etc. When using the broadcast method to plant large-sized seed, it is critical to have a good seedbed prepared (bare dirt — no duff) and the ability to pack the seed into the soil. When using this technique, it’s usually necessary to plant at least 1/3 more seed per acre than recommended as some seed won’t be covered by soil, and will be consumed by birds, etc. In addition, planting just before a rain increases the success of this technique as the raindrops will splash soil on to the seed. Small-sized seed like clover, etc., is usually a better option if broadcasting is the only method that can be used to plant.

Growing Deer together,

Grant