agross Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I am new to this plotting thing but am becoming very fond of it fast. My question is this i planted an approx 1/4 acre plot in green patch plus mixed with clover plus from mossy oak...this spring in 2012 (regardless of how good the growth is) should i disc it all under and do a planting of buckwheat in early summer to then disc under in July to get a better soil make up??...like green manure. The expense is not that great for the seed for such a small plot so i was wondering if more lime and discing under all the green material this spring may help create better soil makeup. Since this spring i have been liming at about 100 llbs a clip (done in june,july and again in August). Although i never got a soil sample of this particular spot a nearby (100 yards away) spot had PH of 4.7ish, so i would assume that my spot is close to it. Let me know if you guys think it is worth it or should i just keep what i got going and do soil test in spring and then lime and fertilize as recommended. Thanks for any info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burmjohn Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Really its up to you... But, if it was me I would disc it, soil test it, lime if needed and replant. See how that plot gets hit, you might want to try out a different seed as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-Man Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 the clover will give you a good boots in nitrogen... buckwheat is a good soil loostener in clay soils.. i would turn it under spray it and plant what ever you want in the spring unless you are looking for a fall planting... if thats the case just buy regular seed not the whitetail geared stuff just plain red clover is a good plow under crop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdswtr Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 The very first thing you should do to get a succesful food plot is get a soil test done. 4.7 on the nearby sample is extremely low. Your best bet for lime is a pulverized ag lime also. It will have the best and longest effect. The white powder lawn lime is short lived. Even with a 1/4 acre plot at 4.7 your looking at alot of lime. I had one plot tested at almost 6 and the test came back with 3 tons of lime per acre to get me to the desired 7. It takes alot of lime and even though you might get plants to grow the nutrient value and palatability of it would be subpar. After the ph is balanced I would personally disk the plot under in the spring and wait till july and go back and herbacide any weeds that have come back to life. Disk again and do a fall planting early to mid august and dont forget the fertilizer. I like planting annuals the first couple years or atleast the first year to keep after the weeds as they are long lived and will remain dormant for the best opportunity for them to regrow. I also like having one plot always in annuals so I can play around with different seeds and see the results of how it grows and how the deer take to it. Most of all have fun its addictive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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