The Enduring Appeal of Perennial Food Plots
Are you tired of the endless cycle of tilling, planting, and fertilizing your wildlife food plots year after year? Do you dream of a sustainable, thriving food source that attracts deer, turkey, and other game animals without constant intervention? The answer lies in the power of perennial food plots. These established havens, featuring plants that live for multiple years, offer a multitude of benefits for both wildlife and the landowner. By understanding the advantages of perennial species and mastering the techniques for establishing and maintaining them, you can create a haven that provides consistent nutrition, improves soil health, and saves you valuable time and resources.
A food plot, in its simplest form, is a cultivated area designed to provide supplemental food and habitat for wildlife. While annual food plots offer a quick fix, perennials bring a long-term perspective. Perennial plants, unlike their annual counterparts, persist for more than two years, often many years, thanks to established root systems and hardy nature. This key difference unlocks a host of advantages for wildlife managers and enthusiasts.
Consider the economic implications. The cost of seed, fertilizer, and fuel for annual planting can quickly add up. With perennial food plots, the initial investment pays dividends over time, significantly reducing your annual expenses. No more yearly tilling, sowing, and fertilizing. You’ll still need to maintain your plot, but the overall labor and material costs are drastically reduced.
Beyond financial savings, perennial food plots contribute significantly to soil health and conservation. The dense root systems of perennial plants act as a natural anchor, preventing soil erosion caused by wind and rain. They also improve soil structure by adding organic matter as roots decompose, enriching the soil and enhancing its ability to retain water and nutrients. This, in turn, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, promoting a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose perennial food plots is the consistent and reliable food source they provide for wildlife. Unlike annual crops that mature and die within a single growing season, perennial plants offer a continuous supply of forage, fruits, or seeds throughout the year. This ensures that wildlife has access to a nutritious food source, even during periods of scarcity. The established nature of these plants also makes them more resilient to weather fluctuations such as droughts or excessive rainfall, ensuring a more stable food supply.
Perennial food plots do more than just provide food; they enhance habitat. They create valuable cover and bedding areas for wildlife, offering protection from predators and the elements. They also attract beneficial insects and pollinators, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area. A well-designed perennial food plot can become a vibrant ecosystem, supporting a wide range of wildlife species.
Lastly, time is often of the most valued resource. Managing a perennial food plot requires far less time compared to an annual plot. Once established, the main tasks involve periodic mowing, weed control, and occasional fertilization. This frees up your time to focus on other aspects of wildlife management or simply enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Planting Considerations
Selecting the right perennial species is crucial for the success of your food plot. Consider the wildlife species you want to attract, the climate in your area, and the soil type on your property. Here are some popular perennial options for wildlife food plots:
Legumes
Often called the backbone of most perennial food plots, legumes are renowned for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it naturally.
Clover
A classic choice for deer, turkey, and other wildlife. White clover, red clover, and ladino clover are popular varieties, each offering unique benefits. Clover is relatively easy to establish, tolerant of grazing pressure, and provides a high-protein food source.
Alfalfa
This deep-rooted legume is ideal for well-drained soils and provides a highly nutritious forage for deer. Alfalfa requires careful management, including regular cutting, to maintain its productivity.
Birdsfoot Trefoil
A versatile legume that thrives in a variety of soil conditions, including poorly drained areas. It is highly palatable to deer and other wildlife and provides a long-lasting food source.
Forbs
These non-grass herbaceous plants add diversity and nutritional value to food plots.
Chicory
A highly nutritious forb that is attractive to deer and other wildlife. Chicory is drought-tolerant and provides a consistent food source throughout the growing season.
Plantain
Not the banana-like fruit, but a broad-leaved herb. A resilient and nutritious option that tolerates grazing pressure and provides a valuable food source for deer and other wildlife.
Grasses
While not typically the primary focus of a food plot, grasses can play an important role as companion plants, providing erosion control and cover.
Timothy Grass
A palatable and nutritious grass that is often used in combination with legumes.
Orchardgrass
Another popular grass choice that is tolerant of grazing pressure and provides a good source of forage.
Shrubs and Fruits
These options are not often thought of when considering food plots but can give you plot diversity and enhance the food source provided by grasses, legumes, and forbs.
Autumn Olive
A hardy shrub that produces abundant fruit, which attracts birds and other wildlife. However, it is important to note that Autumn Olive can be invasive in some areas, so careful consideration is needed before planting.
Elderberry
Produces delicious berries that are a favorite food source for birds and other wildlife.
Apples
Deer love apples. Consider planting apple trees.
Persimmon
Provides fruit late in the season, when food sources are scarce.
Preparation for Planting and the Process
Proper site preparation is essential for the success of any food plot, especially perennial plots.
Soil Testing
Start with a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. This will help you identify any deficiencies and make informed decisions about soil amendments.
Weed Control
Eliminate existing weeds before planting. This can be achieved through the use of herbicides or by tilling the soil.
Soil Amendments
Amend the soil as needed based on your soil test results. Lime is often used to raise the pH of acidic soils, while fertilizer can provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
Planting Techniques
Follow recommended seeding rates and planting depths for each species. Timing of planting is also important, as perennial plants typically need to be established before the onset of winter.
Caring for Your Investment
Once established, perennial food plots require ongoing maintenance to ensure their productivity and longevity.
Weed Control
Monitor for weeds and implement control measures as needed. Mowing is an effective way to suppress weed growth, while spot spraying with herbicides can be used to target specific problem areas.
Fertilization
Fertilize your food plots annually to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth.
Mowing
Regular mowing is essential for maintaining the vigor of perennial plants. Mowing encourages new growth and prevents plants from becoming too woody or overgrown.
Overseeding
Overseed your food plots periodically to maintain density and vigor. This involves broadcasting new seeds over existing plots to fill in any gaps or thin areas.
Solving Common Food Plot Difficulties
Even with careful planning and execution, problems can arise.
Poor Germination
Can be caused by several factors, including poor seed quality, improper planting depth, or unfavorable weather conditions. Ensure you are using high-quality seed and following recommended planting practices.
Weed Infestation
Address quickly to prevent weeds from outcompeting desirable plants.
Pest and Disease Problems
Monitor your food plots for signs of pests or diseases. Contact your local agricultural extension office for help.
Soil Compaction
Can be alleviated by aerating the soil.
Maximizing Wildlife Attraction
Beyond the basics of planting and maintenance, several strategies can enhance the attractiveness of your perennial food plots.
Location
Choose sites that are easily accessible to wildlife and provide adequate sunlight and water.
Edge Habitat
Create edge habitat by planting shrubs or trees along the borders of your food plots.
Water Sources
Provide access to water near your food plots.
Supplemental Feeding
Consider providing supplemental feed during periods of scarcity, such as winter months.
Camera Placement
Use trail cameras to monitor wildlife activity and adjust your management practices as needed.
Sustainable Success for your Food Plot
Perennial food plots offer a sustainable and rewarding approach to wildlife management. By understanding the benefits of perennial species, mastering the techniques for establishing and maintaining them, and implementing strategies to maximize their attractiveness to wildlife, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both wildlife and the environment. Embrace perennial food plots, and you’ll find that you spend less time working and more time enjoying the wildlife attracted to your property. You’ll be rewarded with a robust and thriving food plot for years to come.
