Using Density Meter and Grass Seed Charts

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

1. 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.

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.

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A-Density Meter

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

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  • Desired seeding rate-23.5 kg/hectare (21 lb/acre)
  • Standard density for alfalfa from chart-773 kg/m 3 (48.2 lb/ft 3 )
  • Actual density from density meter-721 kg/m 3 (45 lb/ft 3 )

Calculating conversion factor using formula:

773 kg/m 3 ÷ 721 kg/m 3 = 1.07

(48.2 lb/ft 3 ) ÷ (45 lb/ft 3 ) = 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 RATE CHECK-METHOD ONE and RATE CHECK-METHOD TWO in Operating The Machine section.

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