Soybean crops provide a nourishing source of wildlife forage.
Soybeans are legumes that provide food for livestock, wildlife and humans. They are even used in the production of biofuels for diesel engines. Although soybeans won't tolerate frosts, planting this fall crop in temperate climates provides a source of feed for deer during off-season months. Late planting supplies important nutrients during periods of stress and allows landowners in warm climates to help manage the number and health of local deer populations. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Prepare the soil for the soybean crop at least 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost. This allows the field or pasture to be used for wheat or other grains early in the year and to plant soybeans after the midsummer harvest.
2. Till the field to remove all traces of the previous crop and weedy growth or ground covers. Apply a nitrogen-free fertilizer, such as 0-20-20, to the soil, per product instructions. This type of fertilizer helps discourage the emergence of native grasses and weedy growth without adversely affecting the germination and growth of the soybeans. Till over the field to incorporate the fertilizer into the topsoil.
3. Plant the soybean seeds at a depth of near 1 inch, using a seeding rate of approximately 55 lbs. per acre.
4. Keep the soil surrounding the soybeans slightly moist as they germinate and begin to grow. Depending on the soil, temperature and precipitation, overhead irrigation may be required every week or two, especially during dry spells.
5. Mow around one-half of the soybean field to keep down weed growth. Allow the borders along the other two sides of the field to remain naturalized. The deer and other forms of wildlife use these overgrown areas for cover and shelter.
6. Check the soybean crop for signs of pest damage, such as leaf holes and stem wilt. Apply a pesticide only when insects cause extensive damage. Choose a pesticide labeled for use on soybean crops, avoiding ones that contain aldicarb, ethoprop, chlorpyrofos or methomyl. These chemicals can harm the health of foraging wildlife. Apply at the rate recommended by package label.
Tags: soybean crop, weedy growth