Using Density Meter and Grass Seed Charts

1. NOTE: Rates per hectare acre are determined by adjusting seed shifter to settings shown on rate charts in this section.

   
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   A - Density Meter

   Rates on grass seed charts are based on a standard density of grass seed being used. Use density meter (A) to find actual seed density so seeding rate can be more accurately chosen from rate charts.

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2. Fill meter bucket with material, tap lightly, level material across top, balance on knife edge and take reading.

3. If actual density differs from standard density (found on “Standard Density Chart”, use the following formula to calculate a conversion factor that will be applied to desired seeding rate:

   STANDARD DENSITY (from density chart) ÷ ACTUAL DENSITY (from density meter) = CONVERSION FACTOR

4. Multiply desired seeding rate by conversion factor, find new value on rate chart and adjust seed shifter to match this new rate.

Standard Density Chart
Seed	kg/bu (lb/bu)	kg/m3	lb/ft3
Alfalfa: Red Alsike and Ladino Clovers	27 (60)	773	48.2
Serecia and Lespedeza Hulled; Crimson Cover; Birdsfoot Trefoil	10 (22)	284	17.6
Lespedeza Unhulled	11 (25)	323	20.0
Timothy; Red Top; Sand and Love Grass	20 (45)	581	36.0
Kentucky Blue Grass; Reed Canary Grass	6 (14)	181	11.2
Millet	23 (50)	645	40.2
Broom Corn; Hog Millet	25 (56)	722	45.0
Bermuda; Canary Grass	23 (50)	645	40.0
Sudan Grass	23 (50)	645	40.0
Orchard Grass	6 (14)	181	11.2
Rye Grass; Alta Fescue	25 (56)	722	45.0
Crested Wheat Grass	10 (21)	271	16.8

EXAMPLE: Using 15 cm (6-in.) Rate Chart:

• Seed—Alfalfa
• Desired seeding rate—23.5 kg/hectare (21 lb/acre)
• Standard density for alfalfa from chart—773 kg/m³ (48.2 lb/ft³)
• Actual density from density meter—721 kg/m³ (45 lb/ft³)

Calculating conversion factor using formula:

773 kg/m³ ÷ 721 kg/m³ = 1.07

(48.2 lb/ft³) ÷ (45 lb/ft³) = 1.07

Multiplying desired seeding rate by conversion factor:

23.5 kg/hectare x 1.07 = 24.6 kg/hectare

(21 lb/acre) x 1.07 = (22 lb/acre)

Locating closest value to 24.6 kg/hectare (22 lb/acre) on 15 cm (6 in.) rate chart indicates a meter setting of 8.

For further accuracy, see CHECKING QUANTITIES DRILLED in Operating the Machine section.