Lab Results for Food plot soil

[UpStateRedNeck]

Local co-op said the soil pH was 6.6, but the extended lab results said the following :

LABORATORY RESULTS 

Soil pH: 5.6 (Low)

Phosphorus (P): 2 lbs/Acre (Very Low)

Potassium (K): 137 lbs/Acre (Medium)

Organic Matter: 5.9 %

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Phosphorous is key to antler growth isn't it?  Anything I can do about that? Here's the recommendation on what to add to bring everything up to normal :

Soil pH Adjustment Soil pH is low. Apply 16 pounds of lime per 100 square feet and be sure to incorporate the lime into the upper 6" of soil.

- My uncle said it would take about 1000 lbs of lime to do this 1/2 acre plot, since he's a retired, successful farmer I'll probably just go with that.

 

Phosphorus (P) Soil P level is very low. Broadcast about 6.0 ounces of phosphate (P2O5) per 100 square feet prior to planting and work into the upper 2-4" of soil.

-What would I use, and in what amount, to cover about 1/2 an acre?  I'm in the dark on this one.  Is there a generic fertlizer that would contain the phosphate necessary?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[moog5050]

Sounds like you have a plan.  I have never tested the soil where I plant plots and just add some triple 15 fertilizer (200lbs per acre +/-) 4-6 weeks after planting.  Seems to work fine.  But maybe I have good soil.  Good luck!

[DanD]

[UpStateRedNeck]

Bottom is this year, top will be next year.  In between is all scrub.  Lots and lots of rubs in that scrubby stuff.  That hedge row to the north has about 14 apple trees in it too.  Flying Outhouse is what my wife is calling the raised blind I'm building.  We brush hogged some trails in that scrub last year, going to add one around the perimeter this year.

[Steuben Jerry]

12 minutes ago, UpStateRedNeck said:

Bottom is this year, top will be next year.  In between is all scrub.  Lots and lots of rubs in that scrubby stuff.  That hedge row to the north has about 14 apple trees in it too.  Flying Outhouse is what my wife is calling the raised blind I'm building.  We brush hogged some trails in that scrub last year, going to add one around the perimeter this year.

Awesome stand nickname!!

[corydd7]

Antler King sells two products plot max to raise ph and Jolt which is a liquid fertilizer. Both have worked for me, you can also buy smaller amounts of plot max but the link will allow you to read about it. Last but not least it can be added with glysophate if you have to spray an area.

 

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/antler-king-gallon-plot-max-25-gallon-jug?a=761059

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/antler-king-jolt-foliar-fertilizer?a=2170472

[Glen]

Upstate, was that a Whitetial institute soil test by any chance ? The 1000 lbs lime on the 1/2 acre will work, but go a little heavier if you can. Since you are liming late ( usually needs at least 2 months to work well) go with the Plot Max for sure.  100+ lbs of triple 19 Fertilizer should take care of the P & K.  Not sure what your planting but might be best this year to go with something that will do well in lower PH soil. Best of Luck!

[UpStateRedNeck]

8 hours ago, Glen said:

Upstate, was that a Whitetial institute soil test by any chance ? The 1000 lbs lime on the 1/2 acre will work, but go a little heavier if you can. Since you are liming late ( usually needs at least 2 months to work well) go with the Plot Max for sure.  100+ lbs of triple 19 Fertilizer should take care of the P & K.  Not sure what your planting but might be best this year to go with something that will do well in lower PH soil. Best of Luck!

No, Cornell co-op.  I called the local place and they said pretty much the same thing.  Figuring this year, since I'm coming into it late, probably plant winter rye / wheat in late August / early September.  Did get a disc harrow bought and moved up there today though!  One of the gangs needs to be rebuilt.

[Glen]

You might be able to plant brassica blends,  oats and winter peas the first week of August, they would be able to handle a more acidic soil. I have a brand new plot as well and I will be trying the Antler King Slam Dunk and WI Winter Peas Plus. Those should help build and improve soil for next years planting as well. You may want to check them out.

[UpStateRedNeck]

Go to start the tractor to brush hog this afternoon,........  Blown head gasket!  Took the afternoon off from work too.

[UpStateRedNeck]

To continue the fun, the heads cracked!  I may never let my addle brained old father drive it again.

[Adkhunter1590]

If your worried about what will grow with low ph go with winter wheat. It will grow on pavement lol. My plots aren’t all that bad ph wise but winter wheat I plant doesn’t care and the deer love it.

[wolc123]

11 hours ago, UpStateRedNeck said:

To continue the fun, the heads cracked!  I may never let my addle brained old father drive it again.

What kind of tractor is it ?

[UpStateRedNeck]

2 hours ago, wolc123 said:

What kind of tractor is it ?

MF-65 with the Perkin diesel.  Got it from my father in law for..... On the house.

[UpStateRedNeck]

Anybody have a recommendation for winter rye or wheat made by WI or somebody that's particularly tasty for deer?  Or should I just stop at the local feed store?

[moog5050]

2 minutes ago, UpStateRedNeck said:

Anybody have a recommendation for winter rye or wheat made by WI or somebody that's particularly tasty for deer?  Or should I just stop at the local feed store?

I really couldn't find any close by and its too expensive to ship due to weight.  Good luck.  If the local feed store has it, I would grab that.

[corydd7]

I picked up two 50lbs bags of wheat and rye the last two weeks. Local co-op worked out for me but they did say winter wheat is hard to find. I got lucky and they had Erie rye which is very cold tolerant. Crop production services in Florida NY. 

[UpStateRedNeck]

First timer question :. Should I York rake over the seed after I spread it?  Or just let it lay?  Maybe use something like a 2x4 box with some woven with across the frame to drag it?  We got an old York rake sitting right by the cabin.

[Otto]

If it is winter wheat or rye, just spread it out before a rain and you will be fine.  No need to drag it in. 

[UpStateRedNeck]

Thanks Otto!  Yeah I was going to do winter wheat and rye, and maybe put a stripe of whitetail institute winter greens down the middle just to see how they do.  

Thinking about doing a tiny little plot on the other side of the new blind, right in the middle of the 10 foot brush, but don't know what I'd put in there.  Maybe next year.

Edited September 9, 2019 by UpStateRedNeck

[moog5050]

Upstate - whatever you decide to plant, you can check the recommended seed depth.  For those seeds that are 1' or less (brassicas, clovers, rye, wheat) you can just spread or spread and run over them if you prefer.  I did a light drag with a flat piece of metal over brassicas and beans and it turned out great.   But I suspect even without the drag, they would have taken off.

[WNYBuckHunter]

I roll them in. Ive used cultipackers, lawn rollers, logs dragged behind and even just driving back and forth with the ATV. All of those worked well. I would not use a york rake, they tend to pick up ever little weed, stick or root and then it will clog and make a mess.

[UpStateRedNeck]

This plot went nuts the past 2 weeks.  I think this is the rye planted last September coming in strong.  Planning on fertilizing  it with 17/17/17 and planting WI Tall Tine Tuners in early July.  Should I just disc the rye right in?  

[corydd7]

Definitely looks like rye. I believe it was Zag, I recommend beets and greens over winter greens and ttt. I would disc it in but no till is in vogue.

[suburbanfarmer]

Anyone tried triticale ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triticale