Why Clover Reigns Supreme for Deer
Are you looking to transform your property into a whitetail paradise? Tired of seeing deer move on to greener pastures – literally? The secret weapon in many successful deer management programs is often overlooked, yet readily available: clover. Clover food plots offer a multitude of benefits, serving as a nutritional powerhouse and an irresistible attractant for deer. Planting and maintaining them is an investment that pays dividends in healthier deer, improved antler growth, and increased hunting opportunities.
Clover food plots are cultivated areas specifically planted with clover varieties to provide a consistent and reliable food source for deer and other wildlife. Unlike some annual food plots that need replanting every year, clover can provide years of benefits with proper management, making them a cost-effective and sustainable solution. While the initial setup requires effort, the long-term rewards are well worth the investment.
This article delves into the world of clover food plots, exploring their numerous benefits, different clover types, site preparation, planting techniques, management strategies, and troubleshooting common problems. Building a successful clover plot requires knowing what clover does and the most strategic ways to plant it. Clover can be a game-changer for your deer management efforts, but successful establishment and ongoing maintenance demand careful planning and dedicated execution.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Clover isn’t just any plant; it’s a nutritional superfood for deer. Its benefits extend far beyond simply providing a food source; it plays a vital role in the overall health and vitality of your deer herd.
The high protein content of clover is arguably its most significant advantage. During spring and summer, when antlers are growing and does are nursing fawns, deer require a diet rich in protein. Clover provides this essential nutrient in abundance, supporting optimal antler development, healthy fawn growth, and overall doe health. It is a great source of nutrition. The nutritional value of clover fluctuates throughout the year. During its peak growing seasons, it can provide up to twenty-five percent crude protein. Deer digest the clover relatively well and gain a good amount of energy from the food.
Irresistible Attractant
Deer find clover exceptionally palatable. Its tender leaves and slightly sweet taste make it an irresistible treat, especially during times when other food sources are scarce or less appealing. A well-established clover plot acts like a magnet, drawing deer in from surrounding areas and keeping them on your property. Deer eat clover because of its texture and flavor.
Soil Health Champion
Clover is a legume, which means it has the remarkable ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a usable form in the soil. This natural fertilization process enriches the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving overall soil health. Clover roots also improve soil structure, reducing erosion and enhancing water infiltration. Clover is a great addition to the soil.
Long-Term Investment
Unlike annual food plots that require replanting every year, clover is a perennial plant, meaning it can live for several years. This longevity reduces annual planting costs, saves time and labor, and provides a consistent food source for deer year after year. With proper management, some clover varieties can even reseed themselves, further extending their lifespan. Clover provides a good return on investment for the planter.
Choosing the Right Clover Variety
Not all clovers are created equal. Different clover varieties have varying characteristics, making them suitable for different soil types, climates, and management objectives. Understanding the nuances of each type is crucial for selecting the right clover for your specific needs.
White Clover
White clover is a popular choice for deer food plots due to its high palatability and ability to withstand heavy grazing. Ladino clover and Dutch white clover are two common varieties. White clover thrives in well-drained soils with a pH between six point zero and seven point zero. However, it’s less drought-tolerant than some other clover varieties.
Red Clover
Red clover is known for its robustness and ability to tolerate less-than-ideal soil conditions. Mammoth red clover and crimson clover are popular varieties. Red clover is more drought-tolerant than white clover and is also excellent for soil building. However, it has a shorter lifespan than white clover, typically lasting only two to three years.
Alsike Clover
Alsike clover is a hardy variety that tolerates acidic soils and wet conditions, making it a good choice for areas where other clover types struggle. However, its palatability is lower compared to white and red clover.
The Power of Blends
Using a clover blend – a mixture of different clover varieties – can provide several advantages. Blends offer diversity, adaptability, and extended grazing potential. For example, a blend of white clover and red clover can provide both high palatability and drought tolerance. A clover blend that contains multiple seeds can be useful.
Preparing the Ground for Clover Success
Successful clover food plots start with proper site selection and meticulous preparation. Neglecting these crucial steps can lead to poor germination, weed infestations, and ultimately, a failed food plot.
Sunlight is Key
Clover requires adequate sunlight to thrive. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Shady areas will not support healthy clover growth.
Unlocking Soil Secrets with Testing
Before you even think about planting, conduct a soil test. This simple and inexpensive procedure provides valuable information about your soil’s pH, nutrient levels, and other essential factors. Soil testing is the foundation of successful food plot management. You can obtain soil testing kits from your local extension office or agricultural supply store. Follow the instructions carefully and submit your samples to a reputable soil testing laboratory.
Achieving the Perfect pH
Clover thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between six point zero and seven point zero. If your soil test reveals a pH outside this range, you’ll need to amend the soil with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Apply lime or sulfur according to the soil test recommendations, and be sure to incorporate it thoroughly into the soil.
Winning the Weed War
Weeds can quickly outcompete clover seedlings, hindering their growth and reducing the overall success of your food plot. Implement effective weed control measures before planting. Mechanical methods, such as tilling or disking, can help to control existing weeds. Herbicides can also be used, but be sure to select products that are safe for clover and follow all label instructions carefully.
Tillage or No-Till?
Both tillage and no-till planting methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Tillage involves breaking up the soil with a plow or disk, creating a loose seedbed. This method can improve seed-to-soil contact and control weeds. However, it can also lead to soil erosion and loss of organic matter. No-till planting involves planting directly into the existing vegetation without tilling the soil. This method helps to conserve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and improve soil health.
Planting Your Clover Patch
Once your site is properly prepared, it’s time to plant your clover. Following the right planting techniques will ensure successful germination and establishment.
Timing is Everything
The ideal planting time for clover depends on your geographic location and the specific clover variety you’re planting. In general, spring and fall are the best times to plant clover. Spring planting allows the clover to establish itself before the hot summer months, while fall planting allows it to develop a strong root system before winter.
Seeding Rate Matters
Using the correct seeding rate is crucial for achieving a dense and healthy clover stand. Refer to the seed label for recommended seeding rates, and adjust accordingly based on your planting method. Over-seeding can lead to overcrowding, while under-seeding can result in a sparse stand.
Planting Techniques
Clover can be planted using various methods, including broadcasting and drilling. Broadcasting involves scattering the seed over the soil surface, while drilling involves planting the seed at a specific depth using a seed drill. Cultipacking after planting is essential to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Nourishing Your Clover
Clover requires adequate nutrients to thrive. Conduct a soil test to determine your soil’s nutrient levels, and apply fertilizer according to the test recommendations. Phosphorus and potassium are particularly important for clover growth.
Inoculation is Essential
Clover is a legume, which means it can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere with the help of beneficial bacteria called rhizobia. However, these bacteria may not be present in your soil. Inoculating your clover seed with a rhizobia inoculant ensures that the bacteria are present and able to fix nitrogen, boosting clover growth.
Managing Your Clover Investment
Establishing a clover food plot is only half the battle. Ongoing management is essential to maintain a healthy and productive stand.
Mowing for Success
Mowing your clover food plot regularly helps to control weeds, stimulate growth, and prevent the clover from becoming too stemmy. Mow to a height of four to six inches, and avoid mowing during extremely hot or dry weather.
Feeding Time Continues
Even after establishment, clover needs ongoing fertilization to maintain its vigor. Conduct annual soil tests and apply fertilizer according to the test recommendations.
Weed Vigilance
Keep a close eye on your clover food plot for weeds. Spot treat weeds with herbicides carefully, avoiding damage to the clover.
Grazing Strategy
Overgrazing can damage your clover food plot and reduce its productivity. If possible, implement rotational grazing, allowing the clover to recover after heavy grazing.
Boosting the Stand
Over-seeding your clover food plot every few years can help to maintain stand density and vigor.
Overcoming Clover Challenges
Even with careful planning and management, you may encounter some problems with your clover food plots. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues:
Poor Germination Causes
Poor seed-to-soil contact, dry conditions, weed competition.
Poor Germination Solutions
Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by cultipacking. Plant during periods of adequate moisture. Control weeds before planting.
Weed Infestation Causes
Poor site preparation, lack of weed control.
Weed Infestation Solutions
Implement effective weed control measures before planting and continue to monitor for weeds throughout the growing season.
Yellowing Clover Causes
Nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalance.
Yellowing Clover Solutions
Conduct a soil test and amend the soil with lime or fertilizer as needed.
Overgrazing Signs
Bare patches, stunted growth.
Overgrazing Solutions
Reduce grazing pressure by fencing off portions of the food plot or implementing rotational grazing.
The Clover Advantage: A Summary
Clover food plots offer an exceptional approach to attracting and nourishing deer. From their high protein content to their soil-improving properties, clover plots deliver a multitude of benefits for deer and the land. Clover food plots can lead to a healthier deer population, improved antler size, and increased hunting opportunities.
Remember, success requires dedication. With proper planning, meticulous preparation, and ongoing management, you can transform your property into a whitetail haven. Take the first step toward a healthier deer herd – start planning your clover food plot today! By planting a deer plot, you are also improving the soil quality.
