Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Learn how improving your soil can lead to a better looking lawn
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likeasponge
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Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Post by likeasponge » April 22nd, 2019, 9:52 am

As I posted in the water cooler, were working on a 1.5 acre deer food plot. Its been a pleasure to hunt so far, taken more than a few good bucks but we'd like to turn it into a food plot that really brings in the deer. Its a south western facing plot that has a slight slope to it surrounded by plenty of trees.
Its been in the natural state of wild grasses for about 5 years now. Unfortunately no water is available for irrigation.
We decided to plant Alfalfa and clover. Our plan is to mow maybe once a summer but I'm not sure what alfalfa likes the most? No intentions of ever harvesting the alfalfa either.
I think we want a simple plan recommendations (I'm on the fence here). As for micros....I'm inclined to say yes please but then again were just talking deer here. We just want a nice food plot.
Goals: Big Deer :yahoo:

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andy10917
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Re: Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Post by andy10917 » April 22nd, 2019, 8:14 pm

It's not a bad soil, and for Alfalfa I'm going to use a light touch.

I'd spread 50 lbs of Epsom Salts over the 1.5 acre plot, mixed with about 2 lbs of Borax (Twenty Mule Team laundry soap) and apply it BEFORE tilling.

I'd do that and nothing more. Hit it with 100 lbs of Urea after it gets established.

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likeasponge
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Re: Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Post by likeasponge » April 22nd, 2019, 9:48 pm

That's great news, and a fairly easy. Thanks for reviewing this.

I had thought the Phosphorous number was higher than normal? (compared to my lawn (300)) Any reason why or what might cause that?

Also, just for my learning process, Is the Magnesium/calcium ratio close enough to "ok" for this plot but maybe not for our personal lawns?

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likeasponge
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Re: Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Post by likeasponge » November 1st, 2019, 1:38 pm

Dry farming and expectations; working on both now haha

Any thoughts on fertilizing clover (deer mix seed) with urea this time of year? I'm thinking in terms of the late fall/winterizing regimen.

TimmyG
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Re: Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Post by TimmyG » November 1st, 2019, 2:02 pm

Clover (in the legume family) is a nitrogen-fixing crop and, I imagine, shouldn't need to be fertilized, at least not with nitrogen.


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likeasponge
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Re: Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Post by likeasponge » November 1st, 2019, 7:30 pm

TimmyG wrote:
November 1st, 2019, 2:02 pm
Clover (in the legume family) is a nitrogen-fixing crop and, I imagine, shouldn't need to be fertilized, at least not with nitrogen.
I hadn't thought about it like that, thanks. I'm so used to getting rid of clover, now I want it to grow like crazy.

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HoosierLawnGnome
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Re: Likeasponge Food Plot 2019

Post by HoosierLawnGnome » November 2nd, 2019, 4:22 pm

Good deal! I hunt and I planted clover and apple trees to help without introducing non native species.

They also feast on the acorns.

On the area I hunt there is so much food I'm not sure it helps all that much, so I just try to supply something different.

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