Get The Extra Mile Out Of Your Food Plot
By WHITETAIL INSTITUTE STAFF

You have disked, limed, fertilized, cultipacked, seeded and cultipacked again to produce the best stand of Imperial Clover or Alfa-Rack.  Now what do you do?  Fortunately there are four basic things that you can do to maximize the quality and lifespand of your food plot: soil test, fertilize, mow, and properly use herbicides. 

As always, a soil test is critical in creating a food plot and possibly just as important in maintaining the plot after establishment. Actually, a soil test should be performed every year or at least every two years. The soil test will show any change in pH and allows you to add the proper amount of lime to keep the plot pH between 6.5 to 7.0.  This is critical because if the pH drops below 6.5, the soil will restrict availability of the vital nutrients that the plants need to grow. 

The soil test also helps keep track of the levels of phosphorous and potassium in the soil that are critical in growth of legumes like Imperial Whitetail Clover and Imperial Alfa-Rack.  Adding the right amount and type of fertilizer will make a big difference in the deer use and the overall performance of a food plot.  Deer select the most nutritious food available and a properly limed and fertilized food plot will be utilized almost 10 out of 10 times over one that is not.  However, for those who choose to take a chance and do not do a soil test, a common fertilizer recommendation is 300 pounds of 0-20-20 fertilizer per acre in early spring and fall.  This is just an educated guess at what an acre of Imperial Clover or Alfa-Rack needs to produce quality forage.  Needless to say, it is better to do a soil test and know exactly what is needed as opposed to guessing and spending a lot of money and material.

Mowing is another important step in maintaining a food plot of Imperial Clover or Alfa-Rack.  First, it keeps the food plot producing new, tender growth that is more palatable to deer.  Mowing stimulates new growth and plants respond with new tender growth that is fuller and more attractive than taller, older stems.  This is not to say deer won’t eat a 14-inch tall clover plant ¾ they just prefer the more palatable new growth.  Secondly, mowing helps keep the broad leaf weeds under control.  Most weeds will not withstand the clipping of their foliage.  However, Imperial Clover and Alfa-Rack will perform even better because they grow from roots that are unharmed by mowing. 

As a general guideline you should mow the plot once it gets between 10 to 14 inches high.  Mow Imperial Clover down to about 6 inches and Alfa-Rack to about 8 inches.  Remember, never mow when the plot has been stressed by the lack of rain.  Try to mow just before a rain, if possible, or when adequate moisture has been received. 

Herbicides have become very popular in the last few years as part of food plot maintenance but they should be the last resort in proper maintenance.  If weeds are still a problem after mowing a selective herbicide can be used.  A selective herbicide is one that kills certain plants and leaves others unharmed.  In most cases grass is the most competitive weed because it will grow back after mowing ¾ not unlike my yard in the summer, which seems to never stop growing.  Vantageâ herbicide is an excellent choice to control grass in Imperial Clover and Alfa-Rack.  Always follow the label instructions when using herbicides to maintain your plots.

Remember, proper food plot maintenance can save you lots of money and time in the long haul.  Proper lime and fertilizer, along with a mowing plan, can help your Imperial Clover or Alfa-Rack last for years to come.  If you have any questions please call the Whitetail Institute at 1-800-688-3030 and our staff of consultants and scientists will be glad to help you with your questions.