Understanding Brassica Varieties for Food Plots
Brassica food plots stand as a cornerstone for many landowners and hunters seeking to enhance wildlife habitat, attract deer, and ultimately, improve their hunting prospects. These plots, featuring members of the mustard family like rape, turnips, kale, and radishes, offer a rich and readily available food source during critical times of the year. Their popularity stems from their impressive yield, high nutritional value, cold-hardiness, and undeniable appeal to deer and various other wildlife species. This guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of selecting, planting, and managing brassica food plots, empowering you to create thriving wildlife havens on your property.
Types of Brassicas
Selecting the right brassica varieties is paramount to establishing a successful food plot. Each type offers unique characteristics that cater to different wildlife needs and seasonal conditions.
Rape is known for its rapid growth and early-season attraction. It germinates quickly and provides a lush, palatable forage source that deer readily consume. Rape is an excellent choice for those seeking to establish a food plot quickly and attract deer early in the hunting season.
Turnips, on the other hand, excel in producing both bulb and leaf matter. Their cold-hardiness is a significant advantage, as they continue to provide forage well into the late season, even after frosts. The sweetening of the bulb after a frost makes turnips an incredibly attractive and palatable food source when other options become scarce.
Kale stands out for its exceptional nutritional content and cold tolerance. Its resilience to harsh weather makes it a valuable late-season food source, offering essential vitamins and minerals to wildlife during periods of limited food availability.
Radishes, particularly the Daikon or forage radish varieties, serve a dual purpose. While providing forage, they also act as a natural soil amendment. Their deep taproots penetrate compacted soil layers, improving aeration and water infiltration. Upon decomposition, the radishes release valuable nutrients back into the soil, benefiting subsequent crops.
Many seed companies offer hybrid or blended brassica varieties, combining the strengths of different types. These blends often provide a more balanced and consistent food source throughout the season, catering to a wider range of wildlife needs.
Variety Considerations
When choosing specific varieties, consider maturity rate, leaf-to-bulb ratio, cold tolerance, and disease resistance. Early-maturing varieties are ideal for quick establishment, while late-maturing options extend the foraging season. Leaf-to-bulb ratio influences the amount of readily available forage versus the energy storage in the bulb. Cold tolerance is crucial for areas experiencing harsh winters, ensuring continued forage availability. Disease resistance minimizes the risk of crop failure and maximizes yield.
Regional Advice
It is imperative to select brassica varieties suited to your specific climate and growing season. Consult with local agricultural experts or seed suppliers to determine the best options for your region. Some specific examples that are known to perform well across many locations are Whitetail Institute’s Winter Greens or Maximum and Tecomate’s Monster Mix. These blends include multiple seed varieties that will thrive.
Soil Preparation and Planting
Soil Testing and Amendments
Proper soil preparation is fundamental to establishing a thriving brassica food plot. Soil testing is the first and arguably the most critical step. It provides valuable insights into the soil’s pH level and nutrient content, allowing you to tailor your amendments accordingly. A soil pH within the range of point five to seven point zero is generally optimal for brassica growth.
Lime is often necessary to raise the soil pH to the desired level. The amount of lime required depends on the initial pH and soil type. Applying lime several months before planting allows it ample time to react with the soil and adjust the pH.
Fertilizer is crucial for providing the essential nutrients that brassicas need for vigorous growth. The specific fertilizer requirements will vary based on soil test results, but nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are generally essential. Follow the recommendations provided by your soil test report.
Weed Control
Effective weed control is vital for preventing competition and ensuring the brassicas receive adequate sunlight and nutrients. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied before planting to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Post-emergent herbicides can be used after the brassicas have emerged to control existing weeds. Tillage, such as disking or plowing, can also be used to prepare the soil and control weeds. Cover cropping can also be beneficial.
Timing and Methods
The ideal planting time for brassicas is typically late summer or early fall, depending on your region. This timing allows the plants to establish themselves before the onset of winter, providing a valuable food source during the colder months.
Brassicas can be planted using broadcasting or drilling methods. Broadcasting involves spreading the seeds evenly across the soil surface, while drilling uses a seed drill to place the seeds at a consistent depth. Drilling generally provides better seed placement and germination rates, but broadcasting is a viable option for smaller plots or when equipment is limited.
Brassica seeds are small and require shallow planting. Aim for a planting depth of approximately one-quarter to one-half inch. Deeper planting can hinder germination.
The recommended seeding rate varies depending on the brassica variety and planting method. Consult the seed packet or supplier for specific recommendations. Overcrowding can lead to stunted growth, while insufficient seeding rates can result in sparse stands. Pay attention to the advice found on the seed packet.
Prevent Soil Compaction
It is important to prevent soil compaction. This can be done by using proper equipment. Do not till the soil when it is too wet. Doing so will increase the likelihood of soil compaction.
Management and Maintenance
Fertilization and Weed Control
Post-planting management is essential for maximizing the productivity and longevity of your brassica food plot.
Side-dressing with nitrogen can boost growth and improve forage quality, especially if the soil is deficient in this essential nutrient. Apply nitrogen fertilizer according to soil test recommendations or plant observation.
Continued weed control is often necessary, particularly during the early stages of growth. Hand-pulling, hoeing, or spot-treating with herbicides can help control weeds that emerge after planting.
Pest and Grazing Management
Brassicas are susceptible to certain pests, such as flea beetles and aphids. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of infestation. Insecticides can be used to control pests if necessary, but consider using integrated pest management strategies that emphasize natural predators and biological controls.
Grazing management is crucial for ensuring the plants have time to establish and thrive. Avoid overgrazing, especially during the early stages of growth. Consider using fencing or rotational grazing to control grazing pressure.
Reseeding
Another potential option is to consider reseeding the plot. This is especially useful if the food plot gets hammered by the local deer population. It is also possible to use a no-till drill.
Maximizing Attraction and Utilization
Location and Integration
The location of your food plot significantly impacts its attractiveness to wildlife. Choose a location with adequate sunlight, water availability, and proximity to cover. Brassicas thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
The size and shape of your food plot should be tailored to your property size and hunting goals. Larger plots can support a greater number of animals, while smaller plots can be strategically placed to funnel deer movement.
Integrating brassicas with other food sources, such as grains and legumes, can provide a more diverse and balanced diet for wildlife. Consider planting a mix of crops to cater to a wider range of nutritional needs.
Scouting and Timing
Regular scouting and observation are essential for assessing utilization and adjusting management practices accordingly. Monitor your food plot to determine which brassica varieties are most attractive to deer and other wildlife. Adjust your planting strategies based on your observations.
The timing of hunting can be influenced by the peak attraction periods for brassica food plots. As temperatures cool and other food sources become scarce, deer often gravitate towards brassicas, particularly after a frost sweetens the turnips.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Germination Issues
Poor germination can be caused by various factors, including dry soil, poor seed-to-soil contact, and improper planting depth. Ensure adequate soil moisture and proper planting techniques to promote germination.
Weeds, Pests and Nutrients
Weed competition can stifle brassica growth. Employ effective weed control strategies to minimize competition and ensure the brassicas receive adequate sunlight and nutrients.
Pest damage can significantly reduce yield. Identify potential pests and implement appropriate control measures.
Nutrient deficiencies can manifest as stunted growth or discoloration of the leaves. Conduct soil tests and apply fertilizers to correct any nutrient imbalances.
Overgrazing
Overgrazing can prevent the plants from reaching maturity. Manage grazing pressure to allow the plants to establish and thrive.
Conclusion
Brassica food plots represent a powerful tool for enhancing wildlife habitat, attracting deer, and improving hunting success. By carefully selecting varieties, preparing the soil, managing weeds and pests, and maximizing attraction, you can create thriving food plots that benefit both wildlife and your hunting prospects. Brassica food plot seed options are abundant. It’s important to choose what works best for you and the land you’re working with. Embrace the knowledge shared in this guide, take proactive steps, and reap the rewards of creating a vibrant and productive wildlife haven on your property. The success and health of the deer is up to you!
