[QUOTE=Lord Helpus;8775572]
I don’t have hayfields, but when I have my pastures maintained, we always cut them SHORT (4") first. The last thing you want is weed seed heads to be plowed under the soil so they can grow again.[/QUOTE]
That’s why it is best to turn the soil over deep. The majority if not all seeds can only grow when they are only an inch or so below the surface. Grass, hay seed shouldn’t be planted deeper than around a 1/2 inch at most.
The ground in hay fields gets compacted pretty good over time from the heavy equipment needed to bale it. Even though my hay wagons have “balloon” turf tires when fully loaded they weight over 6+ tons. The tractors is run over it 4 times, cut, ted, rake and then the baler in addition per cutting. Takes it toll on the ground.
So when a field is renovated by tilling it breaks up the compacted soil and aerates. Much better germination, faster and healthier grow back.
