Multi-drill no-till planting

No-Till Planting: A Game-Changer for Hunting Food Plots

No-till planting has emerged as a revolutionary technique for hunters seeking to create thriving food plots that attract and sustain wildlife throughout the hunting season. By minimizing soil disturbance, this method helps conserve moisture, improve seed-to-soil contact, and enhance overall plant health. In this article, we will explore the key benefits of no-till planting and how it can transform your hunting grounds.

Benefits of No-Till Planting for Hunting Food Plots:

1. Moisture Retention for Better Growth

One of the most significant advantages of no-till planting is its ability to conserve moisture in the soil. By leaving the ground undisturbed, you create a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss through evaporation. This is particularly beneficial during dry periods when water availability can be limited.

As demonstrated in the video, hunters have observed that their no-till food plots continue to thrive even in drought conditions. The undisturbed cover acts as a mini greenhouse, trapping morning dew and allowing it to gradually seep into the soil, nourishing the seeds and promoting germination.

2. Efficient Seed-to-Soil Contact

Proper seed-to-soil contact is crucial for successful germination and plant growth. No-till planting ensures that seeds are planted at the optimal depth, providing them with the necessary conditions for development. This is especially important for larger seeds, such as oats and beans, which are commonly used in food plots.

By avoiding soil disturbance, no-till planting also minimizes weed growth. This allows your desired food plot plants to establish themselves without competition from unwanted vegetation, resulting in healthier and more productive plots.

3. Save Time and Energy

No-till planting offers significant time and energy savings compared to traditional tillage methods. By eliminating the need to plow or disc the land, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to prepare your food plots. Hunters have reported that they can complete their planting in a fraction of the time using no-till techniques.

In addition to saving time, no-till planting also helps you save on fuel and maintenance costs for your equipment. By reducing the amount of tillage you do, you can extend the life of your machinery and minimize wear and tear.

4. Healthier, Long-Lasting Food Plots

No-till planting promotes healthier and more resilient food plots. By leaving the earth undisturbed, you help to maintain its structure, improve the soil fertility and reduce soil erosion. This results in plants that are better able to withstand adverse weather conditions and pests.

Food plots, planted using no-till methods, have shown remarkable resilience. Even after being trampled by wildlife, the plants have continued to grow and produce food. This is a testament to the long-lasting benefits of no-till planting.

Furthermore, planting a diverse mix of cover crops, such as oats, clover, and radishes, can further enhance soil health and attract wildlife. These cover crops help to improve soil structure, add organic matter, and provide additional food sources for animals ensuring they return season after season.

5. Sustainable Wildlife Management

No-till planting is not only beneficial for food plots but also for overall wildlife management. By minimizing soil disturbance, you preserve the natural habitat for small wildlife, such as quail, which the hunters observed on their land. This promotes biodiversity and contributes to a healthier ecosystem.

Healthier plants and less soil disruption also create ideal feeding grounds for larger game, such as deer and turkey. These animals are more likely to be attracted to and remain on properties with abundant and nutritious food sources.

Why No-Till Planting is a Must for Hunters

No-till planting offers numerous advantages for hunters seeking to create and maintain successful food plots. By conserving moisture, improving seed-to-soil contact, saving time and energy, promoting plant health, and supporting wildlife habitat, this innovative technique can help you achieve your hunting goals.

If you are serious about attracting and sustaining wildlife on your property, we encourage you to consider incorporating no-till planting into your hunting management plan. By investing in a quality no-till drill and adopting this sustainable approach, you can enjoy the benefits of healthier food plots, more abundant wildlife, and a more rewarding hunting experience.

Request a quote today for a 1st Products Multi-Drill, the leader in quality, precision and durable no till seeding drills.

10ft MULTI-drill | ND-120

STARTING AT $24,340.28

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

5ft MULTI-drill | ND-60

COMING SOON

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • 3pt. Lift
  • Cat I/II Hitch
  • Quick Hitch Compatible
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

CM7000-LD

This round module spear can be adapted to loaders, tele-handlers and many other types of lifts.

  • Length- 33” (without spears)
  • 103” (with spears)
  • Width- 65”
  • Height- 56” (storage position)
  • Weight- 841 lbs.
  • Hitch: Mounting Plate Required
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity: 7000 lbs.
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements:
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

CM7000-L

This 3 pt. lift round module spear is great for staging modules in the field or at the gin.

  • Length- 33” (without spears)
  • 103” (with spears)
  • Width- 65”
  • Height- 56” (storage position)
  • Weight- 1265 lbs.
  • Hitch- CAT III, IVN, or IV
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity: 7000 lbs.
  • Module Clearance Height: 30” or Higher (depending on tractor)
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements:
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

CM7000-HL

Carry cotton high over stalks to prevent tearing and ripping.

  • Length- 58” (without Spears) 146” (with spears)
  • Width- 74”
  • Height- 58” (Storage position)
  • Weight- 2891 lbs.
  • Hitch- CAT III, IVN, or IV
  • Hydraulic Cylinder- 
  • Bore: 6”
  • Stroke: 20”
  • Max Working Pressure: 3000 psi
  • Lift System:
  • Lifting Capacity- 7000 lbs.
  • Module Clearance height: 
  • 60” Lift Links @ 39” or higher (depending on tractor)
  • Spear:
  • 2 ¼ Round Special Alloy Steel
  • Torque Requirements: 
  • ¼ UNC Standard Bolt: 11 ft. lbs. (14 N-m)
  • 5/16 UNC Standard Bolt: 21  ft lbs. (28 N-m)
  • ½ UNC Standard Bolt: 85 ft. lbs (120 N-m)

12ft MULTI-drill | ND-144

STARTING AT $25,308

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

8ft MULTI-drill | ND-96

STARTING AT $14,052

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

6ft MULTI-drill | ND-72

STARTING AT $12,699

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Weight Bracket
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed
  • Plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability

5ft MULTI-drill | ND-60T

STARTING AT $10,602

  • Cover for storage
  • Rear Step and Walk Board
  • Aux. Seedbox
  • 4 Stainless Steel Seed plates for Various Seeds
  • Variable Speed Electric Drive
  • Self-Contained Lift
  • Conventional and No-Till Capability
  • Designed to operate with UTV or compact tractors.

AG144 AGRI-vator - 12'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 2825 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 3 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AG96 AGRI-vator - 8'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 2045 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 2 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AG72 AGRI-vator - 6'

Facilitates seed growth and helps you get the results you want for your farm. Break apart the soil without doing damage to the surface turf.

  • Weight 1630 lbs
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:1.5 Tee
  • End Drive 3 Cx Belts (Left End)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @ 540 PTO RPM = 1026 Cycles/Min
  • Side-to-Side Tine Travel 2 1/4 inches
  • Vibrating Depth 6 Inches
  • Aeration Density 5 Holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines 3/4 X 6” Forged And Hardened (144)
  • Rotor Bearings Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Drive Line 1 3/8” Spline w/ Safety Shield
  • Finish Black Acrylic w Grey Trim
  • Tractor HP required- 45, 60, 80

AE40E AERA-vator Tow Behind

If you have tight spaces that need maintaining, the AE-40E: AERA-vator is the turf aerator for you. As a tow-behind used in conjunction with small mowers or other vehicles, its versatility is unmatched.

  • WEIGHT: 577 lbs.
  • OVERALL WIDTH: 47″
  • WORKING WIDTH: 40″
  • ENGINE: 11 HP Honda w/ 6:1 Reduction
  • END DRIVE: 2- Power Rated Belts
  • TINES: 9/16″ x 3 ¾ Forged and Hardened
  • TINE VIBRATION FREQUENCY: 825 Cycles/Min @ 3600 RPM
  • OUTSIDE-TO-OUTSIDE TINE TRAVEL: 1 3/8″
  • VIBRATION DEPTH: 3 ¾” including tine Nut
  • AERATION DENSITY: 8 holes per sq/ft.
  • ROTOR BEARINGS: Double sealed tapered Roller
  • FINISH: Black & Grey Acrylic
  • VOLTAGE: 12 V
  • TONGUE DRAFT PULL: 100 lbs. (Operation)
  • WEIGHT CAPACITY: 400 lbs.

Groundmaster® 360: AERA-vator

The Groundmaster® 360 works with four of the 1st Products 60” shafts (AERA-vator 60” Shaft, Slicer 60” Shaft, Multi-tine 60” Shaft , Coring 60” Shaft) enhancing and complimenting the versatility of the GM®360. Order below or click here for more information about the Groundmaster commercial aerator.

  • Weight 479 lbs
  • Working Width60″
  • Overall width 66″
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:3 Rt. Angle
  • End Drive (4) BX 46 Belts (left end)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @2000 PTO RPM=800 Cycles/Min
  • Lift manual or optional Hydraulic Top Link
  • Finish Black Acrylic w/ Grey Trim
  • Power Source see specs of Toro Groundsmaster 360
  • Universal Shaft System

Universal AERA-vator 60T

The UA60T AERA-vator is a self-contained, towable 60” AERA-vator that trails easily behind any UTV or commercial grade mower. Its features are desirable for any school, municipality or sports complex. The self-contained aerator is powered by a 23hp engine and operated by a remote lanyard. The Universal Shaft System is integrated into the UA60T for added versatility.

  • Weight 1041 lbs
  • Working width 60″
  • Overall Width 94″
  • Center Drive Gearbox 1:3 Rt. Angle
  • End Drive (4) BX Belts (left end)
  • Tine Vibration Frequency @3600 Engine RPM=800 Cycles/ Min.
  • Engine Gas Honda 28 HP Horizontal Shaft
  • Finish Black Acrylic w/ Grey Trim
  • Lift Hydraulic
  • Electric 12V Electric Clutch Actuated
  • Operation Controller Tethered Handheld
  • Operation Position rear or offset
  • Transportation DOT approved for Highway use (for transport only)
  • Provided with Certificate of Origin

DO40 AERA-vator Mini Skid Steer

Our 1st Products DO-40: AERA-vator is a versatile soil aerator attachment for your mini-skid steer /compact utility loader and is the perfect tool for construction and renovation projects. The DO-40 side to side tine movement levels heavy traffic areas and prepares a great seedbed with less prep work. With the optional seeder, seed placement is broadcast on top of the rotors allowing seeding in both forward and reverse, reducing turnaround time.

  • Weight- 312 lbs.
  • Drive- Hydraulic motor
  • End Drive- 2” BX42 belys (left end)
  • Side to Side tine travel- 1 3/8”
  • Vibrating depth- 3 ¾”
  • Overall Width- 44”
  • Working width- 40”
  • Aeration density- 9 holes per sq. ft.
  • Tines- 9/16”x 3 ¾” forged and hardened
  • Rotor Bearings- Double Sealed Tapered Roller
  • Finish- Black Acrylic w/ Gray Trim
  • Minimum of 1800 PSI @ 8 GPM

VC40/VC60 Sprig Digger

The VC40 and VC60 can both be converted into a sprig digger simply by changing the VERTI-cutter shaft to the Sprig Digger shaft. Both have a 40″ working width.
 
  • Weight- 91 lbs
  • Blade- ¼” Hardox Banana Blade
  • Working width- 36”
  • Spacing- 3”
  • Rotation- forward

VC 60 VERTI-cutter

The VERTI-cutter’s patented swing-hitch allows the unit to turn during operation increasing maneuverability and the belt drive with 12” diameter blades provides a faster blade RPM (tip speed) improving quality of cut.

  • Working Width: 54”
  • Blades: 10GA Carbide Tip, 10GA Hardened Steel
  • Blade Spacing: Rollers 1.5 – 2″, Skids 2″ Only
  • Blade Depth Control: 0 – 1 7/8”
  • Blade Shaft: 1 5/8” Hex Stress Proof
  • Blade Rotation: Forward
  • Hitch: Patented 3 PT CAT.1 Trailing Hitch
  • Drive: 540 PTO Gearbox, 3 belts
  • Required HP: 20-45 Varies by Cutting Depth
  • Frame: All Welded Steel Construction
  • Weight: 900 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 70” w,46” l, 41” h
  • Gearbox: Heavy Duty 42 HP (31 KW)

VC 40 VERTI-cutter

1st Products introduces a smaller, compact version of the same quality. The VC40 offers tighter blade spacing from and ½”-2” spacing and an optional thinner blade, makes it the best VERTI-cutter for compact tractors.

  • Working Width: 35 1/2”
  • Blades: 10GA Carbide Tip, 16GA Carbide Tip, 10GA Hardened Steel
  • Blade Spacing: Rollers 1/2” – 2” (1/4” Increments)
  • Blade Depth Control: 0 – 1 7/8”
  • Blade Shaft: 1 5/8” Hex Stress Proof
  • Blade Rotation: Forward
  • Hitch: Patented 3 PT CAT.1 Trailing Hitch
  • Drive: 540 PTO Gearbox, 3 belts
  • Required HP: 20-45 Varies by Cutting Depth
  • Frame: All Welded Steel Construction
  • Weight: 800 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 51” w, 24” l, 44” h
  • Gearbox: Heavy Duty 42 HP (31 KW)

500-1750 lb Fertilizer Hopper

The new low profile box is wider and easier to fill. The variable speed ground drive allows for 75 quick-rate changes and requires NO TOOLS to adjust.

  • 2, 3, or 4 Outlets Stainless Steel Hopper and Auger
  • Mounts available for Flat, 3 1/2 – 4” Diamond, and Pittsburgh Cultivators (order kit bundles)
  • 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 row Tool bars available 
  • Removable Auger Trough for easy cleaning
  • Stainless Steel Latches
  • Ground, Hydraulic or Electric Drive
  • Variable Speed Ground drive- 60-1750 lbs/ac.
  • Hydraulic Drive- 70-1825 lbs/ac.
  • 500 lb Hopper capacity
  • Additional 500 lb and 750 lb extensions available for more capacity.
  • Stainless Steel screen 
  • Stainless Steel Bridges 
  • Box Covers
  • Flexible Hoses

Orchard Fertilizer Applicator

Designed to apply granular material to orchard rows, vineyards, and trees.

With adjustments to accommodate up to 12’ Rows, each hopper has its own variable rate electric drive that will apply 31lbs up to 2000 lbs per acre depending on row spacing. The Orchard Frame bar can be operated with 1 or 2 hoppers.

The 250lb. stainless’ hoppers capacity can be doubled to 500lbs. per hopper by adding the optional extension. The optianl stainless steel lid keeps yur material dry over night. The spouts and hoses can be adjusted for precise fertilizer placement.

  • Up to 12’ rows
  • Variable rate electric drive
  • 31-2000 lbs. per acre
  • 1 or 2 row
  • 250-500lb hopper capacity
  • Stainless Steel hopper and auger
  • Removeable trough for easy clean out
  • Optional stainless steel lid

250-500 lb Fertilizer Hopper

The Economy Fertilzer Applicator is the ideal setup for small acres such as food plots, home gardens, and vegetable growers. This all stainless steel hopper consists of 2 or 3 outlets, removeable auger trough for easy cleaning, 250 lb. capacity hopper. Add the 250 lb. extension to increase capacity to 500 lbs.

  • 2 or 3 outlet Stainless Steel Hopper and Auger
  • Removable Auger Trough for Easy Cleaning
  • Stainless Steel Latches
  • Flexible hoses for maximum elasticity 
  • Ground or Electric Drive available 
  • Ground drive- 42-600 lbs/ac (depending on row spacing)
  • Electric Drive 31-2000lbs/ac (depending on row spacing)
  • 250 lb. hopper capacity
  • Optional 250 lb. stainless extension available for more capacity
  • Optional Stainless Steel lid available
  • Mounts for Pittsburg, 2 ½ Diamond, and Flat Tool Bar included.
  • Side Dress 3-pt frame and Pittsburg Frame available separately.