To cover or not and to inoculate or not, these are the questions

[Land_Owner]

I planted over 4 acres of iron and clay pea seeds yesterday evening.  I did not inoculate the seed.  I forgot.  I did not drag the chain link fencing over the seed in an attempt to lightly cover them as I have done in the past.  I ran out of energy and daylight.  I could cover them later this week.

Is inoculation required for complete germination?

Is a light soil cover required over newly sown seed?

My initial reaction to each is not required and not required, but for consistent production both are favorable over the alternative.

 

[Cecil]

I would cover the turkey, birds etc will eat seed if left uncovered, I never worry about inoculation as this is a food plot for wildlife not farming production

[Graybeard]

In gardening I believe the "general rule" is to plant seeds about as deep as their diameter. For a pea that would definitely mean it should be fully covered with dirt and NOT just setting on top of the ground. I think if you leave them on top you'll get most eaten by birds and even those not eaten for the most part won't germinate.

In gardening I make a furrow and drop such seeds in and then cover them back with the dirt from each side of the furrow covering them much deeper even than the one diameter depth and they've always done well that way. I'd sure not expect them to last long enough to germinate around here for the birds and as I said even if they did I'd still not expect a high germination rate on top of soil.

[deerslayer79]

I totally agree with Graybeard,cover up the seed,birds are going to reek havoc on those nice fat seeds.inoculating seed is a damn if you do damned if you don't deal,it is really needed on your clovers and alfalfas because they are bad for getting some type of fungus,soybeans and peas I have planted for food plots,I never inoculated and have turned out great,the choice is up to you.

[Land_Owner]

The verdict is in.  Germination was excellent.  The local deer liked it so well they didn't let ANY of the 4 acres of "hatchling" peas survive to 6 inches in total height.  They are all nipped off at 3 inches and the new growth is gone.  There are deer prints all over the place.  Why we never see any deer in the daylight is a mystery.