Food plot implements.

[Jksnvly]

I want to utilize my tractor (JD 2520) to put in a couple of small 1/4-1/2 acre food plots. Anyone else build them? What do you use?

 

[Bill Barrett]

I have heavy clay. I ran a middle buster through it, then a tiller.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I want to utilize my tractor (JD 2520) to put in a couple of small 1/4-1/2 acre food plots. Anyone else build them? What do you use?

What is the current state of the ground? Has it been worked lately or is it in some kind of pasture grass? Any saplings? And most importantly, what attachments do you own or have access to? A lot will depend on the answer to that last question.

 

[john_bud]

Short version,

Mow it, spray it, till it, spray it, seed it, pack it - enjoy it.



longer version, you need to cut the field down, wait a week for the plants to really start growing again then round up spray them. Wait a week or two, then till it good. Wait a couple weeks for the weed seeds to germinate then round them up again. Wait 3 days and spread the seeds you want, use a cultipacker to firm the seeds into the soil. Should be good to go.

jb

 

[Jksnvly]

Thanks. I wasn't sure what implements to buy. I guess a tiller is my best bet.

 

[nmu98]

If you dont have rocky ground, tillers are nice....

 

[jbrumberg]

Jksnvly:

I agree as to the tiller, but Bill Barrett has a good suggestion to use a middle buster first especially if you are breaking up sod and have a heavy and rocky soil. Middle busters are not that expensive and they will find things you do not want your expensive tiller finding first . Jay

 

[heymack]

I've had great results by discing with a disc harrow, spreading seed/fertilizer with a broadcast spreader then dragging with a home made rig consisting of stuff I found in the barn...basically a big piece of timber with massive anchor chain looped behind.

 

[IllMarty1]

john bud nailed it.

I use a 58" tiller and home made fence drag with excellant results every year.

Dont forget to do a soil sample for pH so you can see if any lime or other amendments should be added and tilled into the ground. Apply the lime now if large amounts are needed.

I have done winter wheat, rye, ryegrass, Imperial Clover, white dutch clover, wildlife mix with turnips and brassicas, corn and soybean, and Extreme by Whitetail Institute. All have worked great, and are great projects for a CUT.

Marty

 

[3RRL]

What ya got now? Maybe what you have will work? I used my boxblade as a poor man's plow to do my plot. It turned out alright.
Here's a link to it.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/88588-plowing-food-plot-box-blade.html

 

[Budman1950]

I've had great results by discing with a disc harrow, spreading seed/fertilizer with a broadcast spreader then dragging with a home made rig consisting of stuff I found in the barn...basically a big piece of timber with massive anchor chain looped behind.

I do almost exactly as heymack. We've got some pretty sandy soil and after 3 or 4 passes with my 4' disc, it looks like I used a tiller. Chain link fence attached to pipe or 2x4 makes a good drag to cover your seeds. Just roll it up afterwards.

 

[Grrrr]

If you dont want to spend the money on a tiller it is possible to get an old plow and cultivator / disk to do the work of a tiller. It will also mean you don't have to spray it first as the plow will bury the surface layer. You should be able to pick these up cheaply and I think your tractor could probably pull a small 1 or 2 bottom plough. Just another option.

 

[Briana03]

Hello,

This thread has been moved to the new Food Plot Forum. :thumbsup: