Mechanical planting of clover can be done effectively by following these steps:
1. **Soil Preparation**: Prepare the soil by removing debris and tilling. Ensure the pH level is suitable for clover growth¹. Most varieties of clover do best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0².
2. **Choosing Clover Seeds**: Select the appropriate clover variety based on your specific needs and the local climate³.
3. **Planting Method**: Decide whether to plant clover seeds by broadcasting or drilling³. Broadcasting involves spreading the seeds evenly over the prepared soil surface. Drilling involves placing the seeds at a specific depth in the soil. The choice between broadcasting and drilling often depends on the specific requirements of your experiment and the resources available.
4. **Weed Control**: Before you plant clover, you will need to get rid of any unwanted plant growth. You may use a weed killer to eliminate any existing turf, weeds, or other unwanted plants².
5. **Watering**: Provide the planted area with a light misting of water every day to encourage seed germination².
Remember, the specifics of your planting method might need to be adjusted based on the characteristics of the clover seeds and the specific objectives of your research. It's always a good idea to consult with an agronomist to ensure your planting method is robust and appropriate for your study.