TEFF GRASS IN LIEU OF CRABGRASS 

With a two year drought Crabgrass seed is almost nonexistent.

However Teff Grass is an alternative to Crabgrass.

Temperature Requirements

Hold off planting Teff until soil temperatures are in the 65 degree Fahrenheit range.

Soil Types
Teff has performed well on soil types ranging from low-desert sands to waterlogged clays. The species appears to tolerate a wide range of soil pH from acid to alkaline and reacts to salinity much like alfalfa but better than most sorghum types.

Seed Bed Preparation
Planting into a firm seed bed is essential for stand establishment. Teff seed is small and must be placed near the soil surface with good seed soil contact for quick, vigorous germination. Prepare a bed that your heel barely marks or “you can bounce a basketball on” as some agronomists advise. When complete tillage isn’t possible, remove the trash, seed shallow, cover and firmly pack.

Fertility Requirements
Teff is considered a low input crop, requiring minimal fertilization. Plantings following alfalfa or sod may not require additional nitrogen for the first harvest. However, Teff following a small grain may need nitrogen applied for the first harvest. Generally, total seasonal supplemental nitrogen needs will be in the 50-90 pound range depending upon yield, the number of crops and nitrogen source.

Planting Rates and Planters
The recommended seeding rate is usually 5 to 7 pounds per acre for raw seed. Seeding rates above these ranges may lead to lodging, stand loss and reduced yield. Stands can be established with broadcast spinners, the Brillion seeder and thru the small seed box of most grain drills provided the seed bed has been properly firmed beforehand. After planting, it is a good practice to roll or cultipack the field to insure good soil seed contact. Avoid dragging after planting, which tends to bury seed too deep for uniform germination. Teff can be aerial applied but the seeding rate of coated seed should be 10-14 pounds per acre.

Seeding Date
Teff can be planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. For quick emergence, the soil temperature should be at least 65 degrees Farenheit and warming.

Seeding Depth
For best results, place seed no deeper than 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep and pack for good soil seed contact. Planting at this shallow depth, will leave seed uncovered on the surface but limit seed placed deeper than desired. Usually seed placed deeper than ½ inch won’t emerge. The recommended seeding rate allows for this imperfect seed placement. Seed placed at the recommended depth in a firm, moist seed bed usually emerges in 4 or 5 days.

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AT 800-826-3655