Field Facts

 

 

 

 

General Information

• Legumes are plants that are able to produce nitrogen from the air. Examples include clover, alfalfa, soybeans, and peas.
• Perennial plants come back year after year.
• Annual plants must be replanted yearly.
• A general rule of thumb: the smaller the seed, the shallower it should be planted.
• Grasses need more nitrogen than legumes do.
• Inoculants enable plants like clover and alfalfa to convert the nitrogen in the atmosphere to usable energy.
• Deer need high protein forage sources in the summer and early fall.
• Deer need high carbohydrate sources in the early fall through winter.
• 1 acre = 43,560 sq. feet, or approximately 69 yards x 69 yards.
• 1-2 quarts of Round-up per acre will kill most all weeds.

The Proof is in the Protein

1 acre of Clover Blend = 4000 lbs. of grazing forage = 1120 lbs. of pure protein forage
Material Cost = $133

1 acre of Soybeans = 8000 lbs. of grazing forage = 1440 lbs. of pure protein forage
Material Cost = $146

Protein Pellets 25% protein with 25 lbs./bag at $20 per bag =
4480 lbs. of pellets = 1120 lbs. of pure protein
5760 lbs. of pellets = 1440 lbs. of pure protein

This is a summary of the comparison of the above products:

Clover = $133 = 1120 lbs. protein
25% Protein pellets = $3584 = 1120 lbs. protein

Soybeans = $146 = 1440 lbs. protein
25% Protein pellets = $4600 = 1440 lbs. protein

Material costs are calculated using full retail prices of nationally branded seed, fertilizer, and Round-up.

Additional Facts

2 Types of Plots
a. Hunting Plot 1/8 to 1 acre
b. Management Plot 1-5 acres

No plot is too small.

Suggested Forage Choices and Hunting Times

• Clovers/chicory/alfalfa early season (perennial)
• Rape mixes early to mid season (annual)
• Small grains/rye/wheat/oats mid to late season (annual)
• Beans/peas mid to late season (annual)
• Corn mid to late season (annual)


• Most plants grow well if the pH is between 5.3-7.
• Alfalfa needs a pH of 6.5-7.
• Most plants grow well in soil that is not too wet.
• Rape and alfalfa grow well in sandier soils.
• Clover needs more moisture than other plants to grow well.

Fertilizing

Nitrogen	Phosphorus	Potassium
N	P	K
10	10	10

Each number represents the percent of that nutrient present in that fertilizer blend.

It’s better to spread the fertilizer at half the rate you intend and go over the field twice in a criss-cross pattern than to try and spread all of the fertilizer just right in just one pass.