How to cultivate virgin ground for a food plot? I don't have a tractor!

[boostmg]

Right now all I have is an ATV & UTV. We want to put a food plot on our property. There are many spots that have virgin ground that's never been torn up ... what is the best way to do this?

I've looked at some "tow behind" disc harrowers but everything seems "iffy".

 

[M5farms]

spray and kill everything where you want to plant , A chain drag will work if you use certain mixes . once you have bare ground the atv equipment will work although not as good as conventional tillage equipment

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Right now all I have is an ATV & UTV. We want to put a food plot on our property. There are many spots that have virgin ground that's never been torn up ... what is the best way to do this?

I've looked at some "tow behind" disc harrowers but everything seems "iffy".

I'd hire a local kid with a mould board and a Graham Hoeme; do it a year in advance, and the roto till it when you get ready to plant. The only virgin ground I ever plowed, I had to put the tractor in low gear, and the old plow went clear down to the beams. Lots of deep roots. But what do I know; there should be some real farmers in here.

 

[M5farms]

I'd hire a local kid with a mould board and a Graham Hoeme; do it a year in advance, and the roto till it when you get ready to plant. The only virgin ground I ever plowed, I had to put the tractor in low gear, and the old plow went clear down to the beams. Lots of deep roots. But what do I know; there should be some real farmers in here.

of course it would be better to use equipment for this task but if you have limited stuff use what is available and plant forage that will compliment and till the ground naturally. Radish, turnips are excellent for compacted soil . clover mixes to fix the nitrogen and then rye and wheat if thats viable for OP area. All of these seeds only need ground contact and moisture to germinate . if the competing grass weeds are killed with chemical then burn if you can you should have a decent seed bed with dragging the area after the mulch is removed .

 

[RNeumann]

My fear is anything that “digs” is going to kill a UTV or ATV. Those are designed for putting around- not hard ground work. I think the idea above about chemicals first and a light drag is your best bet. Unless you want to rent a machine or sub out some of the work.
Deer meat seems to be about the most expensive meat out there! I think bald eagle and shark fin is cheaper....and tastes better...

 

[jeff9366]

Right now all I have is an ATV & UTV. We want to put a food plot on our property. There are many spots that have virgin ground that's never been torn up ... what is the best way to do this?

How many acres do you intend to plant?

 

[jeff9366]

I'd hire a local kid with a mould board and a Graham Hoeme; do it a year in advance, and the roto till it when you get ready to plant.

Probably four people who read this post who know that Graham Hoeme is a Chisel Plow.

 

[teejk]

My fear is anything that “digs” is going to kill a UTV or ATV. Those are designed for putting around- not hard ground work. I think the idea above about chemicals first and a light drag is your best bet. Unless you want to rent a machine or sub out some of the work.
Deer meat seems to be about the most expensive meat out there! I think bald eagle and shark fin is cheaper....and tastes better...

Dunno about the first part. I know a few people that work large tracts with UTV's/ATV's. Small attachments with multiple passes a bit at a time. Depending on the soil you don't have to chisel plow but rather just scratch the surface. Once a crop is established the roots will do a lot of the work.

 

[EarPlug]

Food Plot Seed Planting Equipment - Food Plot Planters & Seeders | Plotmaster Systems - Planting

https://www.whitetailsunlimited.com/conservation/foodplotdoc/implements-for-the-atv.phtml/

 

[Zerk]

With spring coming, the ground will be softer. Though can have traction issues too. I'd look on some hunting forums.

If you want to try something for the heck of it, throw down a bunch of corn. Deer will tear the ground up. Ya its not tilled, but I have wondered if it would work.