Seeding Rates, Dates and Depths for Common Missouri Forages

Harley D. Naumann
State Specialist, Forage and Grazing Management, Division of Animal Science

Successful forage production begins with proper establishment of pasture and hay fields, and success at establishment depends largely on correct seeding practices. Seeding at rates that are too low often results in thin, weedy stands, while excessively high rates unnecessarily increase establishment costs. Even when seeding rates are appropriate, stands may fail if seed are planted at improper depths or outside recommended planting windows.

This guide provides recommended seeding rates, planting depths, and optimal planting dates for common Missouri forages. The accompanying tables include annual, biennial, and perennial species, as well as both grasses and legumes. Recommendations are based primarily on research and field experience in Missouri, supplemented when appropriate with data from neighboring states.

Using the tables

The tables present recommended ranges for seeding rates and planting dates for both pure stands (Table 1) and mixtures (Table 2). These ranges reflect the wide variation in soils, weather patterns, and management systems across Missouri forage operations.

Planting dates are based on typical conditions for central Missouri. Adjust accordingly for other regions of the state:

• Northern Missouri: Use earlier fall planting dates and later spring dates.
• Southern Missouri: Use later fall planting dates and earlier spring dates.

Higher seeding rates within the recommended range are generally appropriate for average to low-productivity soils and for broadcast seeding systems.

These recommendations are intended as general guidelines for typical pasture and hayfield conditions and may not apply under extreme environmental or management situations. Complex “shotgun” mixtures are not included because they are supported by limited research and field validation. However, the tables do provide guidance for the simple forage mixtures commonly used in Missouri.

Seeding rate recommendations for native warm-season grasses (NWSG) may differ from those published by some conservation organizations. The rates provided here are designed for pure stands managed for livestock production on typical upland soils, rather than for native rangeland restoration, alluvial soils, or wildlife habitat objectives.

Table 1. Pure stands

Table 2. Mixtures

Why forage seedings fail

Stand failures typically occur during one of three stages: germination, early seedling development, or post-establishment growth.

1. Failure of viable seed to germinate
   • Hard or impermeable seed coat. Some legume seed require scarification to allow water uptake and germination.
   • Insufficient oxygen. Planting too deep or seeding into saturated soils can limit oxygen availability.
   • Inadequate soil moisture. Dry seedbeds frequently delay or prevent germination.
2. Seedling mortality shortly after germination
   • Desiccation. Seed placed in loose surface soil may germinate after light rainfall but die if the soil dries before adequate root development.
   • Freezing injury. Newly germinated seedlings are sensitive to temperatures below −3°C (27°F) as the radicle emerges. Adequate soil coverage reduces risk; once established, seedlings are more cold tolerant.
   • Insufficient soil coverage. Light soil cover or mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate temperature; without protection, establishment requires extended periods of surface moisture.
   • Excessive planting depth. Overly deep seeding is a common cause of stand loss.
   • Soil crusting. Surface crusting, especially on fine-textured soils, can prevent seedling emergence.
   • Chemical injury. Direct contact with banded fertilizer, improper herbicide use, herbicide carryover, or species-specific autotoxicity can damage seed and young seedlings.
3. Seedling loss after initial establishment
   • Soil pH outside the optimal range. Apply lime according to soil test recommendations to correct pH and supply calcium and magnesium as needed.
   • Low soil fertility. Use soil testing to ensure adequate phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients.
   • Inadequate legume inoculation. Failure to properly inoculate legumes can limit nitrogen fixation and stand vigor.
   • Poor drainage. Surface ponding or saturated subsoils restrict root growth and survival.
   • Drought stress. Moisture deficit is one of the most commonly cited causes of stand failure.
   • Excessive competition. Aggressive nurse crops, existing vegetation, or weeds can outcompete seedlings for light, water, and nutrients.
   • Insect and pest pressure. Early feeding injury can reduce stand density.
   • Winter injury. Late fall seedings or poorly adapted cultivars increase risk of winterkill.

Careful attention to seed quality, planting conditions, and early management substantially improves the likelihood of successful forage establishment.

Adapted with permission from Vough, L. R., A. M. Decker, and T. H. Taylor. 1995. Forage establishment and renovation. P. 42 in Barnes, Miller and Nelson, editors. Forages, fifth edition, Iowa State University Press, Ames.

Former contributing authors: Craig Roberts and James Gerrish