David,

Thanks for the kind words! Fire is a great tool, but the primary goal of most prescribed fire is not to build soil. Rather, it is to limit the growth of some plant species and encourage the growth of others. Tilling in vegetation can be a good practice. However, tilling in general isn’t beneficial to soil. It often causes compaction just below the level of tillage from the pressure/weight of the equipment. Tilling also exposes the soil and encourages evaporation of existing soil moisture. This is why using a no-till drill is considered a great conservation tool. In fact, we never disk, plow, etc., at The Proving Grounds — we only plant with a no-till drill.

We also use an organic fertilizer. It is made by composting and adding humus bacteria (and other microbes and trace minerals) to poultry litter. The producers I get this product from have named it Antler Dirt. I agree — as it has been a great tool to allow my once nutrient poor soils to produce great crops (and deer). I have the soil analyzed annually in each plot at The Proving Grounds and have noticed a significant increase in the organic matter (both as reported on the soil analyses, the feel of the soil, and the quality and quantity of crops produced). I’ve used the recipe of using a no-till drill and organic fertilizer from South Carolina to Missouri and have been very pleased with the results (and antlers).

Growing Deer together,

Grant