New Food Plot Area - Need Ideas/Info....

[tech141]

Have some property in Missouri, and approx 5 acres of it is/will be dedicated to a food plot. It was overgrown with weeds/grass/schmuck for the last 10 - 15 years, and I just brushogged it down to 5 inches. I'm wanting to prep it for a food plot but am unsure exactly how to do so. I'm thinking of spraying RoundUp on it this weekend, and then using a cultivator on it to churn up the soil in a few weeks. Then I would be planting Clover and turnips in raqndom patterns to prep for the fall. Here are a few pics of the area after I hogged it last weekend...

There is a LOT of vegetation left on the surface from the brush-hogging, and I need to know what I should do to correct the situation. I know that I have to churn the soil and return the nutrients to the Earth. But what tools do I need to do that?

Like I said before, I'm going to spray RoundUp this weekend to kill the existing weeds and non-beneficial vegetation. What should I do after the existing stuff is dead?

 

[Agrantina]

New ground like that I would spray it with Gly (roundup) hard! wait 10 days and the best way to do it is to use a 1 or 2 bottom plow. A plow will dig 8-12 inches deep and flip the dirt over. Then wait a few days to dry out and disc...

Pic of a bottom plow-

AndyG

 

[Sterff]

You could plow it but, that will take awhile. If you already own a plow, disk, and cultipacker that may be the way to go. Another option would be to have someone with a no-till planter plant it for you. The benefit with that is, you wouldn't have to turn the soil and worry about errosion.

 

[Smallplot]

Suggestions will depend on what you are going to plant and when but here it goes.

First: Get a soil test done. This will show you what amendments you will need (Lime, P, and K). Soil tests are relatively inexpensive but will offer valuable information on having a successful food plot.

Yes with this being in sod spray with Cropsmart Glyphosate 41% (Generic Round Up) at a rate of 2 Qt per acre with the addition of 1 quart of crop oil per acre.

If you are going to no-till plant seeds you are ready to plant at this point. Your soil will prob not be compacted at this point as mother nature has probable fixed that issue over the years. Topdress amendments and plant.

If you are going to use conventional tillage this is where the tractor time comes in. You would be better off plowing the area the first time but may be able to get away with disking. Add amendments and either plow, disk, or till in. Disturbance with disk or tiller should be between 4 and 6 inches deep and if plowing go at least 6 inches with 8 being best.

Depending on your planting method of choice, or necessity, will change the next steps.

If drilling with a conventional drill, you can drill your seeds directly without further steps. If broadcast seeding, you will need to cultipack the area prior to seeding and following seeding if small seeds are planted. If large seeds are planted you will have to incorporate them by disking them lightly into the soil.

As far as what to plant. What are you wanting out of these food sources? Summer food, Fall food, or Winter food? If you are able to plant regular crops you might consider planting some RR soybeans this spring. They would enable you to help control weeds by not having to select different herbicides to control the weeds.

You do not want to plant turnips until around labor day IMO.

You asked about what kind of equipment you would need. Here would be my recommendation. If you have a tractor, a tiller (if the area is not too rocky), 3 point spreader, and a chain harrow would plant about anything.

 

[lakngulf]

New ground like that I would spray it with Gly (roundup) hard! wait 10 days and the best way to do it is to use a 1 or 2 bottom plow. A plow will dig 8-12 inches deep and flip the dirt over. Then wait a few days to dry out and disc...
AndyG

What horse power is that tractor? I have a 30 and not sure it will pull a two bottom.

 

[Agrantina]

What horse power is that tractor? I have a 30 and not sure it will pull a two bottom.

LoL- I knew I would get busted if I posted a pic like that.. Not my tractor just a pic someone sent me. :thumbsup:... I have the L3240 and like you I am not sure it would pull a 2 bottom very well. I have a-- one bottom and you know its back there when you are in brand new soil...

AndyG

 

[Smallplot]

Tech, don't rule out cereal grains (oats and rye) either. Planted around the end of august the tender shoots will provide lots of attraction into November.

Do your self a favor and check out this link. outreachoutdoors you will find hours of reading on food plot plantings and valuable information.

Good luck