DuckSouth.com

Probably would be better in habitat forum but I wanted more people to see.


How important do you think it is to use fertilizer when plating for deer?

I know when farmers plant wheat and rye and other stuff for silage and harvest it is important so it will produce as much seed and feed as possible but just for deer to graze does it really make that much of a difference. has anyone planted and not fertilized with or with out success?

If you want it to grow and be a healthy stand then you better through out some fertilizer. Also check your soil ph, you might need to lime as well

depends on soil, but I would say very important. your tonage per acre will be a lot better with the proper fertilizer

I already had a soil sample had a man bring in a lime truck to it last year, re tested the soil and the ph is good. But they recommend putting 350 pounds of 15-10-5 or 15-5-10 I can not remeber which one but I just dont know the difference it will make.

If they recommended it then you should do it, trust me he wasnt/isnt out to screw you

O i do not think they are out for that at all this was university I had do the soil test.

I have seen deer walk over wheat that was not fertilized to the center of the field that had been fertilized. You will notice the deer will eat the fertlized wheat more. Don't know why, they just will!

fertilize half you plot and you will see.. the deer will walk over the unfert. part to get to the fert. part of plot..

Thats because it taste better to them. Same way if you fertilize acorn trees in January. They will put on more forage and the deer will literally eat under that tree more than any other. This take 2 years or so to be noticed but, anything fertilized makes a difference. Even if you fertilize just to get the seed up quick enough that the deer don't over browse it while it is trying to get established it is worth it.

Deer are concentrate select foragers. You'll not only increase forage production, but it'll be better for the deer.