Three Superior Perennial Food Plot Seed Blends
By Wiley C. Johnson, PhD, Institute Agronomist
In a perfect world there would be a single forage species that satisfies the nutritional needs of deer and thrives under all soil and climatic conditions. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world and have to do the best we can with what we have. We can improve soil fertility within limits that allow an acceptable level of forage production. Also, under some conditions we can irrigate to overcome drought or install a drainage system to remove excessive water. These measures however are not often a realistic approach to providing good food plots for deer.
We can generally take care of site problems related to fertility or soil acidity. Soils that are shallow, sandy, or very steep tend to be droughty and not correctable. Other areas may tend to be swampy and not very useable. Sites upon which we would like to establish food plots vary from droughty to good moisture to poorly drained (wet).
Certain forage species are better adapted to adverse soil conditions than other species. We have formulated seed blends that are best adapted to these conditions. Those who have soils that are neither too wet nor too dry are fortunate in that they can grow almost any forage species or blend you choose.
Imperial Alfa-Rack Plus requires a soil that is well drained. Many fields are mostly well drained but have small areas where water frequently stands. When fields such as this are planted with the Alfa-Rack Plus blend, the alfalfa and chicory will thrive in the well drained areas, and the more poorly drained parts will largely sustain the clover portion of the blend. The alfalfa and chicory in this blend have good drought tolerance. All components are exceptionally nutritious and palatable. Alfa-Rack Plus has a high fertility and lime requirement. It responds well to good management.
Imperial Whitetail Clover is a specially selected and genetically developed clover blend that is extremely nutritious and productive. It grows well on soils that are too wet for Alfa-Rack Plus. It has a wider range of adaptation than the other perennial blends offered by the Whitetail Institute.
Imperial Whitetail Extreme is our blend developed for those sites too droughty, infertile, or acidic for other blends to grow well. Extreme will survive and provide herbage under some extremely adverse conditions, plus it is extremely palatable and nutritious. As you would expect, with more care, and better fertility and moisture it is even more productive.
Imperial Alfa-Rack Plus, Imperial Clover and Imperial Extreme are our perennial food plot seed products. One or more of these very likely will be well suited for planting your perennial food plots for deer.