When to Plant Soybeans For Deer

Soybeans are an excellent deer food. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting for this particular animal. Deer are often discouraged by large plots or neighboring farms. Also, soybeans in poor soil can fail to develop properly, and high deer densities will decimate the plants quickly.

Inoculation of soybeans

Inoculation of soybean seed is a practice that may increase yield by increasing nitrogen fixation. Studies have shown that the inoculant can increase yields by as much as 49 bushels per acre in Nebraska fields. The yield increase will vary, depending on the relative increase in nitrogen fixation in the soil. The yield increase is also dependent on the nitrogen supply in the soil. One study conducted in Iowa found that inoculation increased soybean yield by two bushels per acre on land that was formerly used for pasture.

To improve nitrogen fixation in soybeans, you should inoculate the seed with Rhizobium strain S before planting. This process introduces commercially prepared rhizobia to the seed to promote nitrogen fixation. Inoculation instructions are typically included with the soybean seed. If you’re unsure of how to inoculate your soybeans, contact your county extension service.

It is important to understand that soybeans are not selective. They are not selective about the type of soybean, but specific varieties can help you meet your deer management goals. In the South, deer are particularly stressed by late summer, so you should consider planting later-maturing forage soybeans in your field.

Rhizobia are bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen in soybeans. The soybeans provide these bacteria with food and fuel. But the soil has to be able to support the bacteria for nitrogen fixation to occur. Several factors can affect the amount of nitrogen in soil, such as type and soil erosion. If the soil has low levels of nitrogen, soybeans can suffer deficiency symptoms.

To prevent deer from destroying your crops, you can consider inoculation of soybeans. It is an important practice, especially in fields that have been out of production for three or more years. Soybean seed inoculants are available commercially, but the best time to use them is when they’re fresh.

Size of food plots

One of the most important considerations when planning a food plot is the size of the plot. A typical hunting plot should be a quarter of an acre, but if you want deer to frequent the plot, you need to make sure it’s bigger than that. Small plots are unattractive to deer and tend to get eaten down quickly. Larger plots, on the other hand, have the potential to attract a herd and provide supplemental food for winter.

To create the perfect food plot, you’ll need to test the soil. This is important because the soil pH will determine the level of nutrients needed. Test your soil by collecting four-inch soil samples at random locations throughout the food plot. You can also mix up soil samples within a single plot. After collecting samples, send them to your local MU Extension Center or the Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory.

The size of your food plots for deer depends on your deer population and the amount of land you have. A food plot should be between half an acre and a half acres in size. Food plots that are smaller than this are less beneficial to deer as they are more susceptible to browsing pressure and shading. If you want to have a noticeable impact, dedicate at least five percent of your property to food plots and make sure that the food plots are spread out across your property.

A food plot’s size should also be influenced by the type of hunting you plan to do. For example, archers might want to create smaller, narrow plots, while firearm hunters may want a larger plot with plenty of room.

Time of year to plant

Soybeans are an excellent source of food for deer. The deer are particularly fond of young soybean plants and will begin eating them soon after germination. This can lead to deer overgrazing on small stands. To prevent this from happening, you should plant your soybeans when the soil temperature is around 62°F. This will allow the soybeans to germinate when the quality of the native herbaceous vegetation is at its highest, reducing browse pressure on newly-planted beans.

It is best to plant soybeans after the soil thaws in late April or early May in northern areas. During this time, the temperature of the soil is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. You should also inoculate your soybean seeds with the proper inoculant. A nitrogen fixation inoculant will enhance the protein content of your soybeans.

If you plan on planting soybeans, be sure to plan the planting date well in advance. You should aim for late May or early June in northern areas and late April or May in southern areas. In addition, it is best to plant soybeans when the last frost has melted. However, this may depend on your local climate.

Soybean plants are excellent deer food. However, the deer will consume them all year round. If you’re planning on planting soybeans for forage, make sure you select the right variety for your area. If you’re unsure of which type to choose, consider asking your local Cooperative Extension Service. They will be able to guide you with the best variety for your specific growing conditions. In particular, you should consider soybean varieties with shatter-resistant grains.

Ideally, soybeans should be planted in large fields. However, small plots can be challenging to grow. If you plan on planting small soybeans in your backyard, choose a variety that will tolerate deer. You should use a high-quality seed bed. This seed bed should be free of weeds and debris. It should also be leveled using a drag or cultipacker.

Quality of forage

Soybeans are a nitrogen-producing legume that provides deer with high-quality forage from spring to fall. They contain up to 35% highly digestible protein and high levels of carbohydrates and fats. This provides ample energy for deer throughout the winter and until the grasses begin to green up in the spring.

When planting soybeans for deer, select forage soybeans. These types are renowned for their ability to withstand heavy browsing pressure from hungry deer. This makes them an ideal choice for deer plots. While ag soybeans may stunt and deprive deer of their pods, forage soybeans continue to grow new leaves and survive high browsing pressure.

In addition to being an excellent source of protein, soybeans are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve deer populations. Planting soybeans for deer is a great way to improve the deer population in your area. The legume grows easily and is readily accessible to deer.

It is recommended to plant soybeans in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, planting soybeans too early can result in poor germination rates and can adversely impact the quality of forage. The best time to plant soybeans is from May through June. This time allows for local deer to feed first on soybean fields, and small plots can be established without excessive deer browsing pressure.

When planting soybeans for deer, select forage varieties that mature more slowly and withstand browsing pressure throughout the summer. Deer are attracted to green plots until the first hard frost. Deer will then start hammering the bean pods on their stalks until they turn brown.

Attractiveness of soybeans to deer

Soybeans are one of the most attractive foods for deer. Even in drought, they stay green and succulent, and their mature pods are more palatable to deer than clover. While deer like soybeans, they can also over-browse them, especially when they are young. To avoid this, it is a good idea to protect your soybeans with a Gallagher Food Plot Protection Fence.

Soybeans are not only highly palatable to deer, but they also provide them with a healthy source of protein. They are also easy to reach. Deer often target leafy plants earlier in the season, but will switch to the soybeans once they start to harden.

Since soybeans are high in fat, they are an excellent source of energy for deer, and fat keeps deer warm. This makes them an excellent source of food throughout the year. When planted correctly, soybeans can be a year-round food plot that provides quality forage all throughout the spring, summer, early fall, and winter. This means that soybeans can be planted in April or May and be ready for harvest by the first frost.

Soybeans are an excellent choice for deer food plots. Soybeans are easy to grow, but they do present a number of challenges. For one thing, deer love soybeans, and deer can decimate young soybean stands in an instant. However, there are ways to limit their over-browsing and maximize your yield.

Soybeans produce high-quality, high-oil beans, making them an ideal food plot crop for deer. Unlike many other food plot crops, soybeans can last throughout the fall, providing the deer with abundant forage after the other crops have died off.