Pennsylvania Game News - Feburary 2011 - 60

and wait weeks for the results. In addition to providing information on soil pH, the Antler King test will indicate how much lime needs to be added per acre to raise the soil pH to whatever level is necessary for proper planting. Also included with each test kit is a fertilizer utilization chart with ten helpful hints for successful food plots. After the land is cleared, a soil analysis taken, and the appropriate amount of lime is applied, Ryan said it is ready for fertilizing. “The report on the soil analysis provided by the Cooperative Extension Office should provide the information needed to determine the proper fertilizer to use and how much of it is needed,” stated Ryan. “Fertilizing a food plot not only increases forage production, it increases the nutritional value of the forage as well, making it more attractive to deer,” he continued. Once the land is properly prepared, Ryan said soil tilling is the next step. “Depending on the size of the food plot, tilling can be done either with a garden tiller, or by using a tilling attachment on the back of an ATV. Larger plots should be worked using a conventional tractor,” he said. For those with limited equipment, Ryan suggests looking into hiring a local farmer or neighbor with a tractor to do the tilling because it would make the work less arduous and the results much better. “Tilling the ground is important, because the seeds need to be in full contact with the ground to ensure germination,” he stated. Once the ground is properly prepared and ready for planting, the next decision facing the neophyte food plot planter is deciding what seeds to plant. For this information we turned to Steve Gruber, National Sales Manager for Heartland Seeds. “I like planting a blend of things, especially annuals and biennials, because if one plant struggles, others will grow and you’ll have a better food plot,” Gruber said. “Winter rye, winter wheat and winter oats are excellent choices because they are 2-season plants,” Gruber advised. “If these are
60

planted by the third week in July, when the ground temperature is warm, they will germinate by early August, and by mid- to late-August they will be 6-10 inches tall and deer will pound them by September.” “When winter rye, oats and wheat are browsed by deer, it’s like cutting your grass for the first time in the spring. Mowing, or in this case browsing, will make it grow even faster,” he added. Seed blends that include alfalfa, ladino clover, berseem clover and birdsfoot trefoil are also good choices, Gruber said. Legumes such as winter peas and soybeans combined with brassicas, such as turnips, and forage rape are ideal for smaller food plots. These can be planted in late spring or even into late summer and will grow throughout the colder weather, Gruber stated. Food plot management has been one of the fastest growing segments of the deer hunting industry over the past several years because hunters are finding out food plots provide great forage for deer and other game species. The different types of grains, clovers, beans and grasses currently offered by seed producers offer game animals the proper vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed to maintain a healthy existence while contributing to antler development. As an added benefit, different species of clover and alfalfa maintain their greenness under the snow, allowing foraging deer better choices of food during the bleak winter months and giving them a much better chance for survival under harsh winter conditions. Just about anyone with access to some tillable land can plant a food crop but, to be really successful and to maximize the amount of deer food grown, they must understand they can’t cut corners. If they get the soil tested and prepared, do exactly what is called for in the soil analysis, choose a top quality food plot product and plant it properly, they will be thrilled with the results. Clubs, individuals and game all win, and what can be better than that?
GAME NEWS

Pennsylvania Game News - Feburary 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - Feburary 2011