Warm-season (spring) plant species are more reliable when used in food plots for white-tailed deer in bottomland soils. This fact occurs because bottomland sites are where the highest amount of moisture is retained during the drier summer months. This is important information to remember for the success of your food plot, as well as your overall deer management program. 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 for successful food plots.

This seems simple, but it can make a big difference between success and failure. Warm-season plant 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 for your food plots. (more…)