Direct seeder demonstration - Big Springs
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The Kyeamba Valley Landcare Group is holding a field day for interested members to see the Group's Eco-Tree Seeder in action.
If you have been out collecting seed and think this machine might be useful, join us to see how it is operated and discuss how KVLG might best make use of the Eco-Tree Seeder. You may decide to seed your own little forest to benefit the ecology of your farm and the health of our valley in general.
When: Wednesday 9th August, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, followed by a BBQ and KVLG meeting
Where: "Silver Springs", Big Springs Road
Further information: Maddy Gorham, mgorham@mli.org.au or 0429 458 717
The Eco-Tree Seeder
The Eco-Tree Seeder was purchased by KVLG in the late 1990’s and with the enthusiasm, guidance and operating skill of Francois Retief was used to direct seed many kilometres of tree lines around the Kyeamba Valley. It has been in retirement for a few years now but with some recent interest it’s time to give the seeder a dust off, replace a few bearings and see if we can improve our revegetation success rate.
The machine has cat. 1 and 2 3PL for small to medium size tractors and is suitable for broadscale revegetation such as linear shelter belts, whole paddocks or small blocks. It isn’t suitable for areas that are steep, rocky or prone to waterlogging.
The seed is bulked out with chick grit to facilitate the spread of seed onto bare soil, and the run is then covered by a presser wheel. While results are unpredictable, the process does produce a more natural revegetation than planting seedlings. Seed can remain dormant until optimal conditions prevail, sometimes up to 3-4 years (Patience!)
It is suggested that sites be treated with herbicide to suppress weeds well in advance of seeding, preferably up to 12 months prior to the winter/spring of sowing.
