There are many reasons why new forage seedings sometimes fail. Too much or too little moisture is always a concern, but moisture is beyond our control unless irrigation is in play. Perhaps topping the list among those things we can control is seeding depth.

The University of Kentucky Extension has produced several time-lapse videos to demonstrate how various factors influence forage growth and development. Among these are two related to seeding depth and its influence on emergence. One demonstrates alfalfa, and the other is novel endophyte tall fescue. They can be viewed below.

Impact of Seeding Depth on Alfalfa Emergence

Impact of Seeding Depth on Lacefield Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue

To view time-lapse videos that address other management factors, visit the University of Kentucky Forages YouTube website.