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Establishing food plots for wildlife is not a difficult process and can be done with minimal investment. A basic understanding of the soil, the wildlife species you wish to attract, and wildlife food preferences will help make your food plots successful. When done properly, food plots can provide opportunities to view wildlife or develop a healthier wildlife population.
Preparing the Site
Soil is the building block from which plants grow, and without proper soil nutrient levels, plants will not achieve their maximum yield. Sampling and testing the soil is the only way to know for certain the present nutrient levels and which nutrients must be added to achieve optimum plant growth. Obtain a copy of your county soil survey from your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office and a USGS topography map as you begin the planning process.
Using a shovel and a plastic bucket, walk in a zigzag pattern through the area you wish to establish. Take random soil samples to a depth of six to eight inches and place the samples in the bucket. The key to soil sampling is taking random samples. The more samples you take, the more accurate your results.
Generally speaking, fields up to 30 acres in size can be sampled as one field. However, if there are varying soil types or obvious differences in a field that may be unique, you may want to consider isolating these areas and sampling them as separate units.
After completing the sampling process, thoroughly mix the soil in the bucket and take enough out to fill the sample bag provided by the lab. Sampling kits should be available from various commercial soil-testing labs throughout your state. If the soil is moist, allow it to air dry before mailing. Once dried, follow the instructions on the form for mailing.
You should receive your soil test results within two weeks. The report will explain your present soil nutrient levels and make recommendations for lime and fertilizer based on the crops you intend to plant. As a rule of thumb, soil testing should be done once every three years.
Sizing the Plot
As you consider your proposed site, give some consideration to the size of your food plots. Your plot can be any size, but it should be large enough to be functional to wildlife. To be effective, your plot should be at least 1,000 square feet. No more than 1/4 to 1/2 acre of food plot is usually needed for each 20 acres of land. If your food plot is expected to provide winter cover, then plots of an acre or more are necessary.
Food plots are usually planted in long strips adjacent to good winter and/or escape cover such as a brushy fencerow, field border, windbreak, woodland edge, or wetland. Strip width can vary, but the wider the strips, the more food and cover created for wildlife. The closer the food plot is to good dense cover, the more use it will have by wildlife.
What and When to Plant
Two factors will help determine which crops to plant in your food plot. The first is your goal(s) for the project. Wildlife species differ in the plants that they prefer. The second is the landscape around the proposed site. If acres and acres of corn and soybeans surround you, planting more of the same probably will not attract wildlife to your property. However, if there are none of these fields in your area, you may be able to attract wildlife that uses these crops.
Where Do I Get Seed?
Seed may be purchased from businesses that supply seeds to farmers. Check with farmers in your area. They may be able to suggest a particular seed dealer. In addition, many wildlife organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited, Quality Deer Management, or Ducks Unlimited may provide seeds for food plots.
Some county soil and water conservation districts also sell wildlife food plot seeds. Also check with any sporting goods stores in your area. Many of these businesses sell pre-packaged food plot seeds. There are several different food plot companies out there to choose from. Make sure you are buying seed that will work in your area and do what you want it to do.
Equipment
Many food plots can be established with a minimum investment in equipment. A small tractor, disk, and corn planter or grain drill will often do the job. If you own an ATV, there are several manufacturers of seeders, fertilizer spreaders, and other attachments designed specifically for use with an ATV.
For small areas, once the area has been prepared, planting the seeds by hand can be done successfully. Many soil and water conservation districts have seeding equipment for rent on a per-acre basis. In some cases, local farmers can be hired to complete the tillage and planting.
Common Errors
Here are some common mistakes made by people establishing food plots:
More is better. Exceeding the seeding, lime, or fertilizer recommendation is a waste of both time and money and, in the case of lime and fertilizer, too much may negatively affect the crop. The recommendations for seeding and nutrient application have been researched and should not be exceeded.
Not fertilizing. Most crops need applications of fertilizer to help them grow and achieve maximum productivity. Don't assume your soil doesn't need fertilizer. Soil test -- don't guess.
Using old seed. Seed that is old may not have been properly stored and handled. Make certain to use new, high quality seed in your food plot.
Planting agricultural seeds in shaded areas. Plants grown for agricultural purposes require sunlight for energy and growth. Avoid placing these seeds in shaded areas such as woods.
Not planting enough acres. Food plots that are too small are ineffective. Food plots can be any size, but should be at least 1,000 square feet. Food plots of 1/4 to 1/2 acre in size for every 20 acres are a good rule of thumb.
Planting too late for maturity. All crops require a certain number of days to grow and mature. If the plants are planted too late, they will not mature and will fail to provide food to wildlife.
Planting southern seed varieties. Because of climate differences, many seed varieties suitable for the southern United States are not well adapted to all conditions. Use plants that have been proved to grow in the conditions of your specific area.
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