Advantage of Aerial seedings: The major advantage of aerial seeding is the efficient coverage of a large area in the least amount of time. Aerial seeding facilitates seeding in areas that otherwise would be impossible to seed with traditional methods, such as land that is too hard to reach by non aircraft or ground conditions being far too wet. Aerial seeding may be used when existing crops are already planted. Aerial seeding is helpful for re vegetation of barren lands/areas. This type of seeding is quite helpful when the area is not accessible by road. In that case a topological survey of the land is done by mapping it and then doing the aerial seeding through helicopter. The seeds are spread all over the land through container in such a way that it makes 360 degree angle. The seeds are spread in a uniform way and proper gapping is provided so that the seeds can germinate well. Also it is required for the soil to be moist while doing the aerial seeding as it helps in the proper germination of the seeds. While choosing the species of plants or grasses, it is required to choose the one which is not eaten by birds or not gazed by cattle as it may cause damage to the plantation. Aerial seeding is quite beneficial for the re vegetation of barren lands, re vegetation of mines and the areas/land got barren due to some natural calamity (like flood, Fire etc.) Soil conditions:Soil moisture plays a large role in the success of aerial seeding. Adequate soil moisture for germination and establishment of seed requires that the top 0.5-1 inch be moist. These conditions should be at the time of the time of the seeding or within 10 days of the seeding . If the required soil moisture is not present at these times, the seeds may become th target of predation by insects and other animals Along with soil moisture, Surface conditions also play a key role in the success of aerial seeding and establishment of seed . The best soil surface conditions are those that are moist and friable. A loose and rough soil surface with crecks or residue cover si also very conducive to seed germination. These conditions allow for the seed to make the best contact the moist while adequately allowing the seed to settle into the ground Another important factor besides soil surface conditions are that of timing of aerial seeding and seeding rates. Timing and seeding rates: When aerial seeding a cover crop one must seed them at least 7 to 10 days before drilled cover crops. The reason forthis is because the aerial seeding is slower than of the drilled method.
Seeding rates for most plants should be 25% to 50% higher with aerial seeding when comprared to other more conventional methods like drilling. These higher seeding rates are needed to establist same yields as other methods. This is mostly because with aerial seeding the seed can be often on the soil surface longer making the seed more susceptible to predation by birds insects and other animals