Warm Season Food Plots Considerations

Warm-season species are more reliable when planted in bottomland soils that retain moisture during the drier summer months. However, care should be taken to select a site that is not prone to flooding from nearby streams, rivers, or other waterways. Drought upland soils are not good sites for warm-season species, so avoid such areas and concentrate on your better soils.

This seems simple, but it can make a big difference between success and failure. Warm-season species should be selected for their ability to grow quickly and compete with native weeds. Remember, with either warm- or cool-season supplemental forages, soil samples should be taken to determine lime and fertilizer requirements. Failure to properly prepare the soil may result in drastically reduced yield or excessive weed competition. A good source for local information will be your county extension agent and they can usually help with soil testing.