Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University
Are you thinking about planting a warm-season wildlife food plot for deer? Now is the time to begin the process. Warm-season wildlife food plots can benefit game and non-game wildlife species when adequately planned and established. Food plots can be used to “fill in the gap” when the availability and nutrition of native plant species are poor, which is often the case during hot, dry summer weather. For deer, additional nutrition is required for lactating does and bucks developing antlers in the spring and summer. Food plots can also attract wildlife for hunting or viewing. Below are a few components of successful wildlife food plot management.
Soil sampling
One of the first steps in a successful wildlife food plot establishment is taking a soil sample. A soil sample will provide information on the pH of the soil and existing nutrient levels. This information can be used to determine lime and fertilizer rates. Taking a representative plot sample is essential, considering soil type(s) and fertilization history. A soil probe collected the sample of 10 to 20 soil cores from the plot. Soil samples can be submitted to the local Clemson Extension office for analysis and shipped to the soil lab at Clemson. Results will be mailed or e-mailed to you. Contact your County Extension if you have questions concerning your sample results.
Liming & soil pH
Proper liming will help ensure your food plots grow and produce to their fullest potential. Soil pH is often overlooked but essential to wildlife food plot production. Soil pH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Many soils in the Coastal Plains region of South Carolina are naturally acidic. When soils are acidic, many nutrients are less available to the plant. Proper soil pH improves nodulation, essential for nitrogen fixation in legumes like aeschynomene, Alyce clover, cowpeas, and soybeans. The optimal soil pH range for most crops grown in wildlife food plots is 6.0 to 6.5. Proper use of lime is the most critical management practice in wildlife food plot production.
Fertilization
Fertilizer supplies nutrients your soils may be lacking and necessary for optimal plant growth. Well-fertilized food plots produce healthier plants and produce more forage. A study by the Mississippi State University Deer Lab many years ago determined that deer were more likely to feed in a fertilized plot than in an adjacent, unfertilized plot. It makes sense that healthy, fast-growing forages would be more nutritious and palatable, therefore more attractive to deer.
Plant species and variety selection
Species like aeschynomene, Alyce clover, soybeans, cowpeas, buckwheat, corn, and grain sorghum are often planted in warm-season food plots. Plant seeds of species or varieties you know to be adapted and productive to your area and suitable for your soil types and growing conditions. Factors like deer density, browsing pressure, length of forage production, and ease of establishment should be considered when selecting a food plot species or plant variety. Do you have the correct equipment necessary for stand establishment? All these are important considerations when establishing food plots.
Seeding rates
Many food plot managers think that more is better regarding seeding rates. Too few plants make for a thin stand, leading to weed encroachment and reduced forage production, but too many plants can also be problematic. Seeding rates are based on a plant’s optimal space to grow to its fullest potential and contribute to a productive stand. Some plants may outcompete others and end up shading out less vigorously growing plants. Excessive seeding rates also waste money.
Seedbed preparation & seeding depths
Planting or covering tiny seeds too deep is a common cause of food plot failure. No matter whether you choose conventional or no-till establishment of your food plot, seedbed preparation and seeding depths are critical components. Generally, most small-seeded forages commonly used in food plots should not be planted deeper than one-fourth inch deep for optimum germination. Larger seeded species like cowpeas, soybeans, and grain sorghum can be grown more profoundly, but all species should be planted in moist soils at recommended planting depths. Seeding depth can also be an issue with premixed blends containing large and small seeds in the bag. Proper seeding depth enhances germination rates and seedling survival—plant at optimum seeding depths and with adequate soil moisture.
Evaluating your results
It’s been stated that you can’t manage what you can’t measure. Determining the utilization of the forages you grow in your plots is as important as other components of food plot production. In the case of deer, exclusion cages can be placed in plots to monitor plant growth rates, nutrition, consumption, and yield if desired. After investing all the time, labor, and resources in establishing food plots, evaluating the results and recording what works and what does not is essential.
Contact your local Clemson Extension office for more information on wildlife food plots.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status. It is an equal opportunity employer.
