Overseeders
There are two main types of seeding machinery available suitable for football pitch use.
➡️ Disc seeders also known as drill seeders
📌 The method:
- The disc seeder will cut a groove into the surface at the ideal depth for seed to soil contact
- The disc then drops the seed to the bottom and the rear roller closes the soil over the seed
➡️ Dimple seeders also known as star seeders
📌 The method:
- The dimple seeder will create a series of holes that the seed then drops in to
- There is normally a rear brush as pictured above to help brush the seed in to the holes
🗝️ Preferred type of machinery:
- Disc seeders are highly accurate and offer high rates of germination and are the most effective in seeding into established swards, they drill the seed into the soil protecting from wildlife. The seed does however grow in runs so multiple passes are required and you will have to wait for the runs to thicken up and tiller together.
- Dimple seeders are a little more hit and miss in established swards as they are reliant on the seed finding its way into the holes created, they do leave quite a lot of seed on the surface but are a really good option if you’re top dressing afterwards which will provide the seed to soil contact needed. They are also popular when seeding into bare ground or heavily scarified areas. The holes are much closer together so although germination rates are lower you will not get the runs experience with disc seeders.