The following are detailed, step-by-step instructions for planting Imperial Alfa-Rack Plus. By following all of the steps you should have phenomenal results. The only thing left to chance will be Mother Nature. When your Alfa-Rack Plus is planted correctly, you will find that you have done one of the, if not the, best things you’ve ever done to improve the quality of your deer and deer hunting.  You should see more deer and better quality deer.

Keep These Instructions for Future Maintenance Purposes

Planting Recommendations and Management for

 Imperial Alfa-Rack Plus

1.      Follow all instructions below, step-by-step, when planting Imperial Alfa-Rack Plus. (See our planting guide video for further details and instructions.)

2.      Stay within the planting times for your state on the back of your Alfa-Rack Plus bag. 

3.      Select a well drained area like hillsides or hilltops. Avoid bottomland that holds moisture.

4.      If your area is weedy, it is a good idea to spray a Round-up type product and wait the        

      recommended 10 days before disking. (Always read and follow herbicide label directions.)

5.      Disk ground thoroughly to prepare good weed-free seed bed. 

6.      Soil test for alfalfa to determine fertilizer and lime requirements.  Be sure the pH of the soil is between 6.5 and 7.5.  Proper pH is a very important part of soil preparation.  If no soil test is available, use 400 lbs. of 6-24-24 or equivalent fertilizer per acre.  Also, apply a minimum of two tons of lime per acre.  A heavy application of lime can help maintain a neutral soil for several years.  (Buy your lime in bulk, not in bags.  Lime is very inexpensive when bought in bulk.)

7.      Prepare a good, firm seed bed.  If available use a cultipacker or heavy roller to smooth and firm the soil.  If no cultipacker is available, use a weighted fence type drag (see video for details).  It is critical to level the ground and fill in any cracks that will allow the seed to get too deep.  (NOTICE: We are cultipacking or dragging before the seeds are sown.)

8.      With a good seed bed prepared, broadcast 13 pounds or more seed per acre.

*If you use a hand spreader, be certain to adjust the seed opening to about 1/8 inch.  This adjustment will insure proper distribution of seed.  This is usually the smallest setting on most hand spreaders.

9.      After broadcasting seed, if available, use a cultipacker or some type of heavy roller to roll over field.  This presses seed into ground and helps insure better seed to soil contact and good germination.  If no cultipacker or roller is available you are finished with the planting process.  Do not drag the field after the seeds have been sewn. Do not cover seed more than 1/4 inch.  DO NOT DISK SEED INTO GROUND.  (NOTICE: This is the second time we recommend use of a cultipacker.)

10.  Remember Alfa-Rack Plus is a high quality forage seed.  Proper planting effort, favorable soil, weather conditions and good timing can contribute to the success of your planting, and the ultimate impact on the quality of your deer and wildlife.

11.  After planting, place a small wire basket over a portion of your clover so wildlife can’t graze that area.  Watch the difference inside and outside the basket.

12.  Do not plant during hot/dry weather.
 

The following instructions are not required, but are strongly recommended for maximum performance and longevity from your Alfa-Rack Plus food plot.

Maintenance Instructions

12.  Alfa-Rack Plus is capable of producing heavy growth.  Depending on your deer and wildlife population and/or how much you plant, you may choose to mow to clip the weeds and Alfa-Rack Plus down to about 4-6 inches.  Mow in the spring and summer months anytime weeds and grasses reach 12 inches tall.  This will also promote tender lush growth. Mow everything down to 4-6 inches high.  Do not mow when it is hot and dry.  Remove clippings if possible.  (Alfa-Rack Plus does not have to re-seed to grow from year to year.  It grows from the root system. This is why Alfa-Rack Plus maintains high protein levels (25-30%) all year, and one of the many reasons that make Alfa-Rack the absolute best food plot choice for well drained soils.)

13.  Another very popular way to control unwanted grasses and broadleaf weeds is with the use of selective herbicides. Herbicides, when used correctly are the most cost effective way to rid your fields of grasses and weeds.  Grasses takes up root space and compete with the intended plants for moisture and nutrients.  Grasses need to be treated early in the growing process normally when the grasses are 6-12” tall.  Whitetail Institute has successfully tested and recommends Arrest herbicide for grass control on Alfa-Rack Plus. Arrest rapidly enters the plants through the foliage and stops growth within 48 hours of application.  Normally it will take 20 to 30 days to see the full effect of the application. Arrest can be applied with a tractor or 4-wheeler sprayer or hand sprayer. The Whitetail Institute offers Arrest herbicide directly to our customers. Call us at (800) 688-3030 for more information or to purchase.

14.  Once Alfa-Rack is established, fertilize once or twice a year using a 0-20-20 or similar fertilizer at the rate of 300# per acre.  Spring and early fall are the best times to fertilize.  Apply fertilizer when plants are dry.  Note: Be sure the nitrogen or first of the three numbers is zero or as low as possible. Alfa-Rack Plus contains legumes that produce their own nitrogen.  If nitrogen is added it will only promote weed and grass competition.

15.  Soil test every 2-3 years to insure proper pH and fertility.  You may need to add more lime every few years.

Following steps 12-15 should help you control grasses in the long run and also will help you get the best and longest life from your planting.  If you have any other questions please call us at (800) 688-3030.