Improve Soil with Hay Unrolling and Seeding
At 9:10 in
Farmer speaks out about animals healing the land, soil, water and air!
What happens here
To introduce organic matter and nutrients to depleted areas, utilize a bale unroller pulled by an ATV (like the Honda Rubicon shown, with a Greg Judy Bale Unroller attachment). This low-impact machinery helps prevent soil compaction. Drive the ATV and unroller across bare or underperforming areas of the pasture, distributing hay and grass seed (Kentucky 32 Fescue seed is mentioned, but other multi-species grasses are also used). The cattle's hooves then naturally press the seeds into the ground, eliminating the need for heavy equipment, diesel fuel, or extensive tilling. This method not only feeds the animals but also adds valuable organic matter, seeds, and manure to the soil, initiating a natural healing process.
Goal: Introduce organic matter and seeds to bare or degraded soil sections
Tools and materials
- ATV Honda Rubicon — Pulling the bale unroller across pastures
- ATV Spreader — Spreading grass seed ahead of the drag harrow or cattle
- Bale Unroller Greg Judy Bale Unroller — Mechanically unrolling round hay bales
- Drag Harrow — Lightly disturbing the soil surface to help incorporate seeds, though cattle hooves can also do this
- Hay Bales — Providing organic matter, feed for animals, and cover for new seeds
- Kentucky 32 Fescue Grass Seed — Seeding pastures for new grass growth
- Wood Chips — Adding organic matter to particularly barren spots (as seen in the blooper reel footage)