Sort: Trending
Part 1/7:
The Art of Planting Soybean Food Plots: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a successful food plot can sometimes seem daunting, especially when faced with the common belief that such projects require several acres of land. However, as demonstrated in this guide, it is entirely feasible to cultivate a small one-acre food plot dedicated to soybeans. Let’s explore the detailed process and strategies involved to ensure that your food plot thrives in a deer-dense environment.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom
Part 2/7:
Many people will discourage attempts to establish soybean plots on smaller acreage, arguing that deer will simply consume all the plants before they can become established. The presenter of this tutorial has taken on this challenge, acknowledging previous attempts and illustrating the possible successes of a well-planned approach.
In this particular instance, the presenter experimented with a mixture of iron clay cow peas and soybeans, only to discover that the soybeans were quickly devoured by the deer. However, the cow peas thrived. This insight prompted a further investigation into planting methods that are suitable for high deer populations, particularly focusing on providing sufficient food throughout the summer.
Preparing the Soil
Part 3/7:
As is the case with any agricultural endeavor, the foundation is critical. The presenter begins the process by disking the field, despite facing the difficulty of hard, drought-stricken soil. The aim here is to properly prepare the ground for planting, ensuring that it is aerated and capable of supporting healthy growth.
What follows is a meticulous disking process where the presenter uses a 13-foot disc, emphasizing the importance of varying the angles for effective soil turnover. Overcoming such harsh conditions requires robust equipment and careful planning, but the effort pays off in preparing the soil for seeding.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Part 4/7:
Before seeding, the presenter applies 300 pounds of a specific fertilizer mixture (923-30). A crucial takeaway from this step is the understanding that nitrogen is not necessary when planting legumes, such as soybeans, because these plants can fix their own nitrogen through beneficial bacteria within the soil.
It’s important to note that ensuring the right soil nutritional balance will directly impact the growth and health of your food plot, especially when under significant deer pressure.
Seeding for Success
Part 5/7:
Now comes the key component that sets this guide apart: seeding at high density. The presenter utilizes a total of four 50-pound bags of soybeans, approximately 560,000 seeds per acre. This unconventional approach is not just about quantity, but about ensuring a sufficient number of plants survive the initial grazing pressure from deer.
By employing this higher seed density, the chance of establishing resilient plants that can outgrow deer grazing increases significantly. The presenter emphasizes the importance of evenly distributing the seeds across the plot, suggesting a double pass technique to minimize any thin spots that could attract overgrazing.
Managing Expectations
Part 6/7:
While traditional wisdom suggests planting lower populations to avoid overgrazing, the innovative approach laid out here challenges that norm. With careful planning and substantial seed numbers, tiny seedlings can better withstand and recover from initial deer pressure.
Additionally, the presenter advises against mixing treated and untreated seeds. Doing so could result in uneven germination and potentially expose certain seeds to excessive grazing before they even have a chance to sprout.
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Food Plots
Part 7/7:
In conclusion, establishing a successful soybean food plot within a high-density deer area is achievable. By adapting planting density, implementing effective soil management practices, and following a strategic approach, even a small one-acre plot can flourish and provide high-quality food for deer throughout the summer months.
With gratitude expressed toward the growing community for their support and interest in this project, the presenter encourages viewers to embrace innovative practices and share their experiences as they embark on their own food plotting journeys. There’s much to gain from rethinking conventional methods and adapting strategies to suit individual land conditions and challenges.
Embrace the challenge, and you too can create a thriving food plot.