Dimple Vs Disc Seeder is a timely blog now we are coming into the seed sowing window and this blog was created with feedback from working Groundsmen. In this blog we explore the pros and cons of each option and summarise the findings.
When is the best time to overseed?
There are two main windows i.e, Spring and Autumn when ground temperatures are ideal and heat from the sun is not too hot, putting the young plants under too much stress.
What is the key thing seed needs to flourish?
Adequate soil contact – surfaces with high levels of thatch can create problems for establishment or young seedlings.
Temperature and moisture are the two key ingredients to germination.
A suitable window of opportunity – most modern sports seed mixtures will germinate and establish in two weeks or less in the good conditions.
Disc seeder Vs Dimple seeder
Disc seeder (pro’s)
Incorporates the seed straight into the soil, creating the perfect seed soil contact which should result in better, stronger establishment.
Seed is sealed into the surface, meaning less chance losing seed to feeding birds.
The improvements in germination and reduction in wastage can result in cost savings.
A great option where irrigation is lacking, as seed is sown directly into the soil where moisture and temperatures are consistent and the seed is protected from heat stress.
Ideal on winter sports fields and areas such as fairways and even greens if done in multiple directions.
A solution when a tight overseeding window, as an example between the change from winter to summer sports field.
Cons
Done too late in the Spring or and you get a hot spell, these disc lines can reopen although often not a major issue.
If only done in a couple of directions, there can be a lack of coverage more of an issue if the areas were very thin in the first instance.
If the soil is heavy in nature, the discs can pick up mud on them from damp soils, this can block the even distribution of seed, timing is key.
Dimple Seeder (Pros)
Excellent surface coverage.
Ideal for tennis and cricket, where a more even coverage of grass cover is required.
Can be used in drier conditions (if the soil is moist), with less risk of the soil opening up after.
Possibly a better all-round option, if cricket/tennis surfaces and winter sports and can only purchase one machine.
Cons
More seed can be apparent on the surface, compared to drill seeding for bird to eat or weather to displace.
As the seed is not sown directly into the soil, there is more potential for wastage meaning higher seed rates may be required to ensure a greater grass coverage.
Summary
Feedback from the community and my own experience both options are great, but it often comes down to timing, soil types, irrigation or not, grass coverage, which sports. These all need to come into consideration when choosing which machine is the best option for you.
In my own experience in cricket square renovations l need the coverage, so for me there is only one option and that’s the dimple seeder. When my football pitches need an overseed, pre cricket season the best option will be a drill seeder for me. l need to get the seed in and up as soon as possible (small window) as l don’t need the density of grass cover, l need to ensure l have on a cricket square.
Where the goalmouths are bare, l plan to dimple seed them, as again l just need a higher density and more even coverage of grass in these weaker areas.
Both dimple and drill have their pros and cons, but on the whole we are very fortunate to have the two options at our disposal.
Written by Brian, with the assistance of the TurfCareBlog Community.
If you wanted to take a bit more in depth look at seed, check out this link-https://turfcareblog.com/13-essentials-things-to-know-about-grass-seed-prior-to-renovations/
