You can increase food plot production by fertilizing food plots in late winter. Fertilize plots of cool-season grains (oats, wheat, rye) with 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre by mid-March (i.e., 2 bags of 34-0-0 per acre). Nitrogen is short-lived in the soil. The benefits of the nitrogen provided during establishment are long since gone by mid-winter. A winter application of nitrogen will stimulate growth and increase the forage's protein.
Phosphorus and potassium are longer lived in the soil and the fertilizer you provided at establishment should be adequate. Winter nitrogen fertilization is not necessary for clover plots. Clover fixes nitrogen through a relationship with symbiotic bacteria. However, if you have a plot that contains a mixture of clover and cool-season grains a winter application of nitrogen may be beneficial. If the cool- season grains look pale or yellow, you should consider fertilization.
Winter, is also a good time to apply lime. It takes 5 to 6 months for the full effect of liming to be realized. Liming now will benefit next fall's cool season plots. The effects of fertilization are reduced if the soil pH is too low (below 5.8). For maximum nutrient availability, the pH should be maintained at a pH of 6.5. Test your food plot's soil to determine the amount of lime needed to balance your soil's pH. Contact your local Extension office for soil sampling instructions.
Winter food plot fertilization You can stimulate forage production for wildlife by fertilizing food plots in late winter before the growing season begins. Fertilize plots of cool-season grains (oats, wheat, rye) with 30 – 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre (that is, 1 or 2 bags of 34-0-0 per acre) by mid-March. Nitrogen is short-lived in the soil and the effects of fall nitrogen fertilization on grass plots are gone by this time. An application of nitrogen will stimulate growth and provide increased protein to deer, rabbits, and turkeys using the plot. Clover plots (and other legumes such alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil) are able to fix nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium and other bacteria. Nitrogen fertilization is not necessary for pure legume plots at this time. However, if you have a plot mixed with clovers and small grains (oats, wheat, or rye), an application of 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre may be warranted, especially if the grains look pale and/or if the plots are receiving a considerable amount of use. Phosphorus and potassium are longer lived in the soil and their application rate should follow the recommendations of a soil test. If you haven’t tested your soil, it’s not too late. Visit your county Extension office for a sampling box and instructions. Soil tests are generally available within 2 weeks, sooner if you request the results via email. The effects of fertilization are reduced if the soil pH is too low (below 5.8). For maximum nutrient availability to food plot forages, the pH should be maintained at approximately 6.5. The effects of liming are also long-lived, usually lasting at least 3 to 4 years. If you are going to establish a new food plot this spring or fall, go ahead and have a soil sample tested and apply the recommended amount of lime now as it takes 5 to 6 months for the full effect of liming to be realized. Your preparation and work now will pay off in a big way come April and November when you look for long beards and wide
