What to Plant in New Food Plots in Northern Missouri

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Question
Hello,

Thanks for putting together such an informative site.

I live in northern Missouri and just bulldozed a 1.5 and 2.5 acre plot out of an oak forest. I have done soil samples that show a pH of around 6 to 6.5. I am going to lime this spring. I want to know if I should spring plant after adding the lime or if I should plant this fall after the lime has had time to work on a new food plot. I was planning on using clover, but after watching your show I would also like to know if the forage soybeans (or another option) would be a better option on a new plot with less desirable soil as I try to improve the soil. The surrounding property is a cattle ranch without any crops.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff,

Thanks for giving me great background information! It’s always easier to prescribe a plan when more details are provided! I would plant something now in the new plot. If you don’t it will likely produce a good crop of weeds, and weed seeds. Eagle Seed forage soybeans are a great option! Like all crops, they do require phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Based on your soil tests results, insure that at least 100 pounds of P and 150 pounds of K per acre are available for maximum yield. They will produce if less P and K are provided, but given the acreage it’s more cost effective to maximize those acres then clear more plots. In addition, I like to insure I’m building the soil in addition to producing a crop. If you believe the deer density is too high for forage soybeans to become established in these plots (given they may be the best forage in the neighborhood), then consider a less palatable crop such as buckwheat, an annual clover, etc.

Growing Deer together,

Grant