Comments on: Introduction to Food Plots and Forage Management

By: txsaggie94

txsaggie94 — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 09:57:29 +0000

I would place an “exclusion cage” in the food plot to test utilization by wildlife/livestock. I have been astonished by how much usage occurs of which I wasn’t aware until we put the cages in place.

The new pasture/plot scouting cameras would also be beneficial in observing animal utilization.

Soil testing and fertilizing – make sure your test includes minor elements and your fertilizer includes the required minor elements. They aren’t very “minor” if lacking and the particular plant needs it. Also, if legumes are specified when running the soil test, the test may not recommend any Nitrogen. If you are planting only legumes, you should rarely need additional Nitrogen but you need to make sure the seeds are inoculated. If you are planting a blend or mixing non-legumes in, I would make sure to add some Nitrogen.

By: Buck Manager

Buck Manager — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:24:48 +0000

Charles, drought has been one of the biggest problems with food plots since they were invented. Food plots are great when it rains, but they fail miserably when it is dry—and that is when the deer really need them! Even the professionals have difficulty predicting the weather, so don’t feel too bad about about your less than stellar food plot. All you can do is prepare as much as possible and and hope for the best.

Landowners interested in deer management should focus on habitat management first, then add food plots or protein pellets as a supplemental kicker. Maintaining proper deer density and good habitat ensures that deer do okay, even during periods when it does not rain. Good luck!

By: Charles O.

Charles O. — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:50:18 +0000

I have the same problem that many seem to have. I plant good seed and fertilize and lime according to soil tests, but even so the plots do minimally. I also prepare a good seed bed and make sure of good seed to soil contact. Plants start to come up but do not go much farther. The only other thing I can think of is rainfall. We have received less than normal rainfall for Southeast Alabama for a couple of years. Any comments or help would be appreciated.

By: Buck Manager

Buck Manager — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:29:12 +0000

Well, a lot of things could be at play. First, make sure that you are in proper soil type for the seed types you are planting. Second, get a soil test. This is simple, but very important. Next, make sure you prepare you seedbed adequately and get good seed to soil contact. Lastly, hope it rains or irrigate.

By: Gale

Gale — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:26:17 +0000

It seems like everytime I attempt to put in a food plot, it doesn’t really work. What is the deal?