Can you provide me tips on managing red pine?
Filed under: Food Plots
I had sent you a question about a month ago and thanks for the information. I however, did not proof read my question. What I meant to say was, I bought 100 acres of Red Pine, that are about 18 years old. Where can I go to get more information about land improvement on this type of land. Now there are some areas of hardwoods here and there, and small openings to put in food plots. But in general want more information about when to cut, how/what to cut to improve the deer hunting.
Now, another question. I would love to no till drill in forage soybeans, but don’t have access to one. I do have access to a small tractor, rear tine tiller. What is the process for using these tools to obtain the best germination.
Thanks again,
Dennis
Dennis,
It will take more space than this format to adequately describe how to manage red pine plantations. There are many options and which one you use should be determined by your goals. Potential goals include maximizing timber value, wildlife habitat quality, etc.
There’s a good guide about red pine management prepared by Forest Service at: http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fmg/nfmg/rp/docs/rp_all.pdf
Many farmers and food plotters till soil before planting soybeans. Simply till the soil and then use a traditional planter or broadcast the seed on the freshly prepared seedbed. If you broadcast the seed it’s best to do so just before or during a rain. Rain will insure there’s adequate soil moisture for rapid seed germination and help cover the seed. Soybeans do best if covered with 1/2″ of soil. If the seed are covered to deep soybeans can die in the soil before the reach the surface and make leaves. If they aren’t buried rodents and birds can rapidly consume most of the seed!
Just an FYI – most county NRCS offices (almost every county has one) rents no-till drills at a extremely reasonable rate. I’ve rented several throughout the whitetail’s range!
Enjoy creation,
grant
