When to Fertilize Clover

By GrowingDeer,

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Question

I have a one acre food plot consisting of BioLogic Clover Plus with 5 lbs. of alfalfa mixed in.  The plot did very well, but of course the weeds started to grow also.  This is the second growing season for it.  I sent a soil sample this spring to BioLogic and they recommended that I fertilize the plot again.  I didn’t fertilize in June as I didn’t want to fertilize the weeds as well.  I mowed the plot in late August.  Would you recommend fertilizing now or waiting until spring?  The recommendation is for 155 lbs. of 0-20-20.  Also, in my area I am having difficulty finding fertilizer without nitrogen content, so I may have to use 5-20-20.

Thanks for the site.  It is a pleasure and blessing to be able to ask questions of such a knowledgeable individual.  I look forward to all the updates.

Thanks again,

Paul

Paul,

Thanks for the kind words!  I suggest you add fertilizer this fall.  Both clover and alfalfa store nutrients in their root systems through the winter.  This allows the plants to survive the winter and begin growing rapidly during the spring.  In addition, plants are simply nutrient transfer agents.  If the nutrients aren’t in the plant, they can’t be transferred to the deer.  Healthier plants are a key to healthier deer.  And healthier deer have bigger antlers and more fawns.  The 5-20-20 blend will work great!  Although legumes like clover and alfalfa can produce nitrogen, they will readily use an existing source.

Growing Deer together,

Grant