The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been experimenting with the use of an air seeder to seed native warm season grasses and forbs. The Tyler Fluid-Air M250 was used in Wisconsin but other models will probably work as well. Air seeders are available from farm cooperatives or commercial fertilizer/chemical applicators. The machine is usually readily available to plant warm season grasses since native grass planting typically takes place after high demand periods for the machine. The seed is broadcast rather than planted in rows, therefore requiring a prepared seedbed.
Wisconsin DNR states, "When using fluffy seeds such as big bluestem, indiangrass, little bluestem, and some forb seeds, a potash carrier must be mixed with the seed to insure even dispersal.". Ellen Barth, with Wisconsin DNR, suggests using normal seeding rates and 100 lbs. per acre potash to aid in flow. Ellen also relates that there is no time or expense savings. The same amount of time is required to prepare a seedbed as with conventional planting methods and cultipacking or rolling is required after seeding. Co-op's generally have a minimum acreage requirement to use the air seeder as well.