A successful pasture seeding begins with the selection of a well-drained field.
Soil with good internal drainage is a big asset in alfalfa and red clover production. But if the internal drainage is poor, good surface drainage becomes vital because ponding water is devastating to these perennial legumes. With good surface drainage, successful stands of alfalfa and red clover can even be established and maintained on the poorly drained claypan or fragipan soils.
Once a field is selected, its preparation becomes the key consideration. Seedbeds should be firm and tilled enough to provide good soil-seed contact. Also, leaving some crop residue on the surface will help reduce erosion while the forage crop is being established.