Why Soybeans? The Benefits for Wildlife
The buck emerged from the treeline like a phantom, his antlers gleaming in the late afternoon sun. He surveyed the lush green field, his nostrils twitching as he sampled the breeze. The field, a carefully cultivated haven of food plot soybeans, was the culmination of months of planning and hard work. Seeing that magnificent animal drawn to the plot, feasting on the bounty you provided, is the reward that makes all the effort worthwhile. However, the path to a successful food plot isn’t always easy. Many hopeful landowners and hunters face frustration when their food plot dreams fail to materialize. The key to a thriving food plot, and attracting the wildlife you desire, often lies in choosing the right crop and knowing how to manage it effectively. Food plots, areas specifically planted with forage to draw in wildlife, serve as vital food sources and can greatly improve the health and size of local animal populations. Among the many options available, food plot soybeans stand out as a highly effective and versatile choice. They offer a wealth of benefits, from providing essential protein to improving soil health. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to successfully establishing and managing soybean food plots for optimal wildlife attraction and nutrition.
Why Soybeans? The Benefits for Wildlife
Food plot soybeans aren’t just another pretty plant; they are a powerhouse of nutrition and attraction for a wide range of wildlife species. Their popularity stems from their diverse benefits, making them a cornerstone of many successful food plot strategies.
A primary advantage of soybeans is their exceptionally high protein content. Protein is crucial for deer, especially bucks during antler growth and does during lactation. Adequate protein levels contribute to overall herd health, larger body sizes, and increased reproductive success. Soybeans contain a significant amount of protein which contributes to the health of the local wildlife population. This is not just beneficial for deer, but also for other wildlife such as turkey poults, which need it for rapid growth, and rabbits, which depend on it for energy and reproduction.
Beyond just nutritional value, soybeans are remarkably palatable and digestible for wildlife. Deer, in particular, find soybean forage irresistible. The tender leaves and stems are readily consumed, making soybeans a preferred food source throughout the growing season. The digestibility of soybeans ensures that animals can efficiently absorb the nutrients they need.
Another key feature of soybeans is their dual-purpose nature. During the spring and summer months, they provide ample forage in the form of leaves and stems. As fall approaches and the plants mature, they produce grain, which provides a valuable source of energy during the colder months. This transition from forage to grain ensures a consistent food supply for wildlife throughout much of the year.
Soybean food plots aren’t just for deer. Turkeys, quail, rabbits, and a variety of other species also benefit from their presence. Turkeys use the plots as bugging areas, while quail consume the seeds. Rabbits often find shelter and forage within soybean patches. Creating a soybean food plot means supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Soybeans also contribute to soil improvement. They are legumes, meaning they have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This process enriches the soil with a crucial nutrient, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving the long-term health of your food plot.
Selecting the Right Soybean Variety
Choosing the right soybean variety is crucial for maximizing the success of your food plot. Many different cultivars are available, and selecting the one best suited for your region and goals can greatly impact yields and wildlife attraction.
A key consideration is the maturity group of the soybean variety. Maturity groups are classifications based on the length of time it takes for soybeans to reach maturity. Choosing a maturity group appropriate for your geographic location and growing season is essential. Planting a variety that matures too late might result in the plants being killed by frost before they can produce beans. Consult with local agricultural extension agents or seed suppliers to determine the appropriate maturity group for your area. Knowing the first frost date is a crucial part of the process.
Soybean varieties can be broadly categorized into forage types and grain types. Forage soybeans are specifically bred to produce a greater amount of leaf mass. They are ideal for attracting deer during the growing season when forage is the primary focus. Grain soybeans, on the other hand, are bred to maximize bean production. They are more suited for providing a late-season food source when deer are seeking energy-rich grains. Some varieties of soybeans have even been developed to be more tolerant of browsing pressure, this helps ensure that they are able to establish themselves and continue to grow even in areas with high deer populations. Roundup Ready soybeans are another popular option. These soybeans are genetically modified to be resistant to glyphosate herbicide, allowing for easy and effective weed control.
Consider regional differences in climate and soil conditions when selecting a variety. What works well in one region might not perform optimally in another. Local agricultural extension offices can provide valuable insights into the best soybean varieties for your specific area.
Soybean seeds can be purchased from a variety of sources, including local farm supply stores, online seed retailers, and agricultural cooperatives. Reputable seed dealers can offer expert advice on variety selection and planting recommendations.
Site Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
Successful soybean food plots begin with proper site preparation. Preparing the soil correctly ensures that the plants have the best possible chance to thrive.
Soil testing is perhaps the most important first step. A soil test provides valuable information about the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. It will tell you whether your soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral, and whether it is deficient in any essential nutrients like phosphorus or potassium. Follow the instructions on the soil test kit to collect a representative soil sample from your food plot area. Then, send the sample to a soil testing laboratory for analysis.
Lime is used to raise the soil pH. Soybeans thrive in soil with a pH between around six and seven. If your soil test indicates that your pH is below this range, you will need to apply lime to correct it. Follow the recommendations of your soil test report to determine the appropriate amount of lime to apply.
Your soil test report will also indicate whether your soil is deficient in any essential nutrients. Phosphorus and potassium are particularly important for soybean growth. Apply fertilizer according to the recommendations of your soil test report.
Controlling weeds before planting is critical for ensuring that your soybeans have a chance to establish themselves. Weeds compete with soybeans for sunlight, water, and nutrients, and can significantly reduce yields.
You can control existing weeds through tillage, such as disking or plowing, or by using herbicides. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that can be used to kill a wide variety of weeds before planting soybeans. Apply the herbicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Planting Soybeans: Timing and Technique
Planting food plot soybeans at the right time and using the correct technique are vital for successful establishment and growth. These factors significantly impact the soybean crop’s yield, overall health, and its attractiveness to wildlife.
The optimal planting time is determined by your region’s climate, particularly soil temperature. Soybeans require soil temperatures of at least sixty degrees Fahrenheit for proper germination. Planting too early, when the soil is still cold, can lead to poor germination and seedling mortality. You also want to be sure to avoid the risk of frost.
Soybeans should be planted at a depth of around one to one and a half inches. Planting too shallow can result in the seeds drying out, while planting too deep can prevent the seedlings from emerging.
The recommended seeding rate depends on your planting method and the specific soybean variety you are using. Follow the seed supplier’s recommendations for the variety you have chosen. Drilling is a more precise method that ensures consistent seed placement and depth. Broadcasting involves scattering the seeds across the soil surface. No-till planting involves planting seeds directly into undisturbed soil, which can help conserve moisture and reduce erosion.
Seed inoculation is a critical step for ensuring that soybeans can fix nitrogen in the soil. Inoculating the seeds with rhizobium bacteria before planting ensures that the plants can efficiently convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.
Managing Your Soybean Food Plot
Once you have planted your soybeans, ongoing management is necessary to ensure that they thrive and provide optimal benefits for wildlife.
Controlling weeds after the soybean plants have emerged is crucial. Identify the common weeds in your soybean plot and choose an appropriate herbicide to control them. Glyphosate can be used to control weeds in Roundup Ready soybean varieties. Apply herbicides according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The timing of herbicide applications is also critical. Apply herbicides when weeds are small and actively growing for best results.
Consider side-dressing with nitrogen fertilizer if soil tests indicate a deficiency.
Monitor your soybean plants for signs of insect damage. Common insect pests of soybeans include Japanese beetles, bean leaf beetles, and grasshoppers. Scout for insect damage regularly, and apply insecticides if necessary to prevent significant crop loss.
If you have high deer densities, you may need to take steps to protect your seedlings from overgrazing. The plants can only take so much damage, and you want to ensure you get the desired results from your plot.
Conclusion
Food plot soybeans are a valuable tool for attracting and supporting wildlife. By understanding the benefits of soybeans, selecting the right variety, preparing the site properly, and managing the plot effectively, you can create a thriving food source that will benefit wildlife for years to come. Remember that proper planning, site preparation, and management are essential for success. The rewards of creating a successful food plot, the sight of healthy wildlife thriving in your cultivated haven, make all the effort worthwhile.
