The Allure of Food Plot Perennials
Tired of the constant cycle of tilling, planting, and hoping your food plots take hold before the first frost? Imagine a food source for wildlife that requires minimal effort after the initial planting, providing sustenance year after year. Food plots, those cultivated areas designed to attract and sustain wildlife, are a cornerstone of wildlife management. While annual food plots require yearly replanting, there’s a more sustainable and efficient solution: food plot perennials.
Perennial food plots offer a remarkable advantage – they establish a lasting presence, returning season after season with minimal intervention. They provide a reliable food source that benefits wildlife and frees up your time and resources. These long-lasting investments are the key to attracting deer, turkey, rabbits, and a myriad of other species to your property.
This guide explores the world of food plot perennials, demonstrating how they surpass annual options in sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term wildlife management. However, success hinges on careful planning and the selection of species suited to your region and wildlife goals.
The Enduring Benefits of Perennial Food Plots
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace perennial food plots is their impact on your wallet. The long-term cost savings are significant. You’ll dramatically reduce your reliance on annual seed purchases. Planting is a labor-intensive process. Perennial food plots eliminate the need for yearly tilling and seeding, freeing up your valuable time. Some perennials, particularly legumes, have the added benefit of fixing nitrogen in the soil, potentially reducing your fertilizer costs as well.
Time is a precious commodity. By choosing food plot perennials, you can reclaim the time spent on annual planting. This extra time can be dedicated to other crucial land management activities like scouting, habitat improvement, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of your property.
Perennial plants, with their established root systems, are masters of soil conservation. They act as a natural barrier against erosion, preventing topsoil loss and maintaining the integrity of the land. As these plants decompose, they contribute to increased soil organic matter, which improves soil structure and water retention. This is a stark contrast to annual tilling, which disrupts the soil and can lead to degradation over time.
Wildlife thrives on consistency. Perennial food plots provide a reliable and predictable food source, even during periods of harsh weather when other food sources may be scarce. Established perennials are hardier and more resilient than newly planted annuals, ensuring a consistent food supply for the animals that depend on them.
Finally, the environmental impact of perennial food plots is undeniably positive. Reduced fuel consumption from less machinery use, decreased fertilizer application, and increased biodiversity all contribute to a more sustainable ecosystem. By choosing perennials, you’re actively promoting a healthier environment for both wildlife and future generations.
Exploring Popular Perennial Choices
The plant kingdom offers a wide array of perennial options suitable for food plots. Let’s delve into some popular choices, highlighting their benefits and growing conditions.
Legumes
Legumes are nitrogen-fixing powerhouses, enriching the soil while providing high-protein forage. Clovers are a staple in many food plots. White clover is known for its persistence and ability to withstand heavy grazing. Red clover is a vigorous grower, offering high yields. Ladino clover is a larger variety of white clover, prized for its palatability. Alsike clover is adapted to wetter soils.
Alfalfa, a legume known as the “Queen of Forages,” is a valuable perennial offering drought tolerance, high yields, and a long lifespan. It requires well-drained soil and a relatively high pH. Birdsfoot trefoil is another excellent legume that thrives in poor soils and doesn’t cause bloating in ruminants. Lespedeza, a legume, is particularly useful for late-season food plots, offering drought tolerance and erosion control benefits.
Forbs
Beyond legumes, a variety of forbs (non-leguminous broadleaf plants) can enhance your food plot. Chicory is a popular choice, known for its drought tolerance, high mineral content, and deep taproot. Plantain, often considered a weed in lawns, is a highly palatable and mineral-rich addition to food plots.
Grasses
Grasses also have a place in perennial food plots. Orchardgrass provides excellent ground cover and early green forage. Timothy is a palatable grass, ideal for hay production if needed.
Shrubs and Trees
Don’t overlook the value of shrubs and trees. Fruit trees like apple, pear, and persimmon offer hard and soft mast that attracts a variety of wildlife. Nut trees like oak, chestnut, and hazelnut provide hard mast, a valuable food source during the fall and winter. Berry bushes such as elderberry, blackberry, and raspberry offer soft mast that appeals to many species.
Building and Maintaining a Perennial Paradise
Establishing a thriving perennial food plot requires careful planning and execution. Site selection is paramount. Consider soil type, sunlight exposure, and drainage. Identify any existing vegetation and implement weed control measures before planting. A soil test is essential to determine pH and nutrient levels. Lime and fertilizer can be applied based on the soil test recommendations.
Planting techniques vary depending on the species. Follow recommended seeding rates and depths. Timing of planting is also crucial. Some perennials are best planted in the spring, while others thrive with fall planting. Legumes often benefit from inoculation, a process that introduces beneficial bacteria to the soil, enhancing nitrogen fixation.
Weed control is an ongoing task. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent weed seeds from germinating, while post-emergent herbicides can target existing weeds. Mowing can also be used to suppress weeds and promote the growth of desirable plants.
Regular fertilization is vital to maintaining the health and productivity of your perennial food plot. Conduct soil tests periodically to monitor nutrient levels and apply fertilizer accordingly. Mowing and clipping can stimulate growth and prevent seed head formation, promoting vegetative growth.
Over time, perennial stands may thin out. Overseeding or rejuvenation techniques can help maintain stand density and productivity.
Tailoring Your Choices to Location and Goals
The success of your perennial food plot depends on choosing the right species for your specific location and wildlife goals. Consider your climate, taking into account hardiness zones, frost dates, and rainfall patterns. Select species that are well-suited to your local climate and can withstand the challenges of your environment.
Identify your target wildlife species. Deer, turkey, rabbits, and other animals have different food preferences. Choose perennials that cater to the needs of the species you want to attract.
Assess your soil type. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils have different characteristics. Select perennials that are adapted to your soil type and drainage conditions.
A diverse mix of perennials is often the best approach. Create a blend of plants that provides food throughout the year, offering variety and catering to different nutritional needs. Consider different growth habits and maturity times to ensure a continuous food supply.
Solving Common Setbacks
Even with careful planning, challenges can arise. Weed infestations are a common problem. Identify the weeds present in your food plot and choose appropriate control methods, whether it’s herbicides, mowing, or hand-weeding.
Poor stand establishment can occur due to a variety of factors, such as improper planting techniques, poor soil conditions, or unfavorable weather. Investigate the cause of the failure and take corrective actions, such as replanting or improving soil fertility.
Pests and diseases can also affect perennial food plots. Monitor your plants for signs of problems and take appropriate measures to manage pests and diseases.
Overgrazing can deplete your food plot. Implement strategies to prevent overgrazing, such as rotational grazing or fencing.
A Lasting Legacy
Perennial food plots offer a compelling solution for sustainable wildlife management. They provide cost savings, time efficiency, improved soil health, a consistent food source, and environmental sustainability. By carefully planning and selecting the right species for your area and wildlife goals, you can create a thriving perennial food plot that benefits both wildlife and the environment. Don’t be afraid to start small and experiment with different species. Your efforts will contribute to wildlife conservation and create a more sustainable future. Perennial food plots are more than just a source of food; they’re an investment in the long-term health and vitality of our ecosystems. So, plant once, and feed for years to come!
