Australian farmers are increasingly turning to multi-species farming to improve pasture diversity, protect the soil and build greater resilience into their farming systems. However, accurately metering a mix of seeds with different sizes, shapes and weights remains one of the biggest challenges.
AirSow is the only 12V air seeder that can successfully meter multi-species seed mixes. The secret is in its unique foam rollers. Unlike conventional metering rollers, the AirSow foam roller system can handle varied seed sizes and shapes while maintaining a consistent flow. This gives farmers greater control over their application rate and helps deliver a more even spread across the paddock.
For farmers exploring regenerative farming, multi-species pastures or cover cropping, this provides a practical way to sow diverse seed combinations accurately using a compact and flexible system.
Why Multi-Species Farming Is Growing
Multi-species farming involves growing a carefully selected combination of grasses, legumes, cereals, brassicas and other forage plants in the same paddock. Rather than relying on one species to do everything, a diverse mix allows different plants to contribute different benefits.
Grasses can provide ground cover and productive grazing. Legumes can fix nitrogen and improve the quality of the feedbase. Deep-rooted plants may help penetrate compacted soil and access moisture and nutrients from deeper in the soil profile.
A well-planned multi-species pasture can also include plants with different growing seasons. This can extend the availability of feed and reduce the risk associated with relying on a single pasture species.
Research and producer experience reported by Meat & Livestock Australia have highlighted the potential for multi-species pastures to improve soil structure, water infiltration, pasture productivity and resilience. Results will vary between farms, so species selection should always reflect local soil, climate, rainfall, livestock and grazing management.
Multi-Species Farming and Regenerative Farming
Multi-species farming is closely connected to regenerative farming because both approaches focus on building a more diverse and resilient farming system.
Regenerative farming generally aims to maintain living roots in the soil, protect ground cover, support biodiversity, improve soil structure and use natural nutrient cycles more effectively. Diverse pastures and cover crops can play an important role in achieving these goals.
Different root structures explore different parts of the soil profile. Fibrous roots help bind and protect the upper soil layers, while deeper taproots can create pathways through compacted ground. Legumes work with soil bacteria to fix nitrogen, which may contribute to the productivity of surrounding pasture species.
Greater plant diversity can also support a wider range of soil organisms and insects. However, the results depend on good establishment and careful grazing management. A diverse seed blend can only deliver benefits if the individual species are sown accurately and given the opportunity to establish.
The Challenge of Sowing Multi-Species Seed Mixes
Sowing a multi-species mix is not as simple as tipping several bags of seed into one hopper. Different seeds can vary considerably in size, shape, weight and required sowing rate.
Small seeds may settle through a blended mix, while larger or lighter seeds can move towards the top. This separation can produce an inconsistent result, with the species mix changing as the hopper empties.
Some traditional seed metering systems also struggle to maintain an even flow when handling seeds of different sizes. This can lead to blockages, over-application, missed areas and uneven pasture establishment.
AirSow’s unique foam rollers are designed to meter multi-species seed mixes successfully. Different roller options are available, allowing farmers to select the setup that best suits the seed being applied. The rollers are also quick to change, making it easier to move between different crops, pasture varieties and application requirements.
Accurate Calibration Makes Every Seed Count
Multi-species pasture and cover crop seed can represent a significant investment. Accurate calibration helps make sure every kilogram is used effectively.
AirSow seeders feature a touchscreen control system and a straightforward calibration process. A quick-attach hose manifold makes it easier to collect a sample, while calibration scales are included with each kit.
Optional radar speed control adjusts seed delivery to match the tractor’s ground speed. If the tractor slows down or speeds up, the system changes the metering rate to help maintain a consistent application per hectare.
This helps reduce seed waste and gives each species a better opportunity to establish at the intended rate. Seed blockage monitoring alerts the operator if flow is interrupted, while a low-hopper sensor provides an early warning when seed levels are running low.
Sow Two Products in One Pass
The 600L AirSow Seeder offers another advantage for multi-species farming through its dual-product hopper.
Available with either a 50/50 or 60/40 split, the hopper feeds two separate distribution units with 12 outlets each. This allows farmers to sow two products simultaneously while keeping them separate inside the machine.
Seeds with different sizes or application requirements can be independently metered instead of relying on a single blended mix. For example, a larger cereal or grass seed can be placed in one side while a smaller legume or brassica seed is applied from the other.
Sowing both products in one pass can save time, fuel and labour. It can also reduce the number of machinery passes across the paddock, depending on the implement and establishment method being used.
Add Precision Seeding to Your Existing Implement
AirSow is designed to be fitted to a wide range of compatible agricultural implements, including power harrows, cultivators and rollers.
This flexibility is particularly useful in regenerative farming because there is no single establishment method that suits every farm. Soil type, existing ground cover, seasonal conditions and the species being sown all influence how much soil disturbance is appropriate.
Farmers working towards reduced tillage can mount AirSow on a suitable low-disturbance implement. Those renovating pasture or preparing more challenging ground can pair it with machinery that provides the required level of cultivation.
This gives farmers the freedom to build a seeding system around their existing machinery and farming practices rather than being locked into one method.
Three AirSow Models for Different Farming Operations
The AirSow range includes three hopper sizes to suit farms and seeding programs of different scales.
AirSow 150L Seeder
The compact 150L AirSow Seeder is suited to smaller farms, pasture renovation, targeted planting and multi-species trials. It has eight outlets and dual 12V blower fans, making it a practical way to add precision air seeding to smaller implements.
AirSow 350L Seeder
The 350L AirSow Seeder provides greater capacity for medium-sized farms and larger paddocks. It combines an eight-outlet distribution system with simple touchscreen calibration, blockage monitoring and interchangeable foam rollers.
AirSow 600L Seeder
The high-capacity 600L AirSow Seeder is the standout option for farmers who want to sow two products simultaneously. Its split hopper, dual distribution units and four 12V blower fans provide the capacity and flexibility required for more complex seeding programs.
A Practical Step Towards Regenerative Farming
Regenerative farming is not a fixed formula or an overnight change. For many farmers, it involves testing different species, observing how paddocks respond and gradually adapting pasture, cropping and grazing management.
AirSow gives farmers the flexibility to start with a smaller multi-species trial or introduce diverse pastures across a larger area. Its unique foam roller metering system, simple calibration and adaptable mounting options help turn a carefully planned seed mix into a more evenly established paddock.
Whether you are introducing legumes into an existing pasture, sowing a multi-species cover crop or building a more diverse livestock feedbase, AirSow provides the accuracy and versatility needed to make every seed and every pass count.
Take a closer look at AirSow’s unique foam rollers and see how the system can support your multi-species farming or regenerative farming program. Call the AirSow team on (02) 4862 9080 or explore the AirSow range.