Intro
Do you dream of watching majestic bucks strut through your property, seeing flocks of wild turkey scratch in the fields, or providing a haven for other wildlife species? A well-planned and meticulously maintained brassica food plot might just be the key to unlocking that dream. Brassicas, often underestimated, offer a wealth of benefits for both wildlife and the land itself. But what exactly *are* brassicas, and why are they so highly touted as a cornerstone of successful wildlife management?
Brassicas belong to the *Brassicaceae* (or *Cruciferae*) family, a diverse group of plants that includes familiar vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale. What sets them apart for food plots is their impressive nutritional value, remarkable cold tolerance, and unparalleled attractiveness to a wide variety of wildlife, especially deer. Beyond attracting animals, brassicas can also improve soil health and act as a natural cover crop. This article will guide you through the essential steps of establishing and maintaining a flourishing brassica food plot, ensuring you reap the rewards of a vibrant and productive wildlife habitat. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right varieties to troubleshooting common problems, equipping you with the knowledge to create your own *brassica bonanza*.
Understanding Brassica Varieties
Before you start tilling the soil, it’s crucial to understand the different types of brassicas available for food plots. Each variety possesses unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific climates, soil conditions, and wildlife preferences.
Consider rape, a fast-growing brassica known for its exceptional palatability to deer. Turnips, on the other hand, offer a dual benefit, providing both nutritious foliage and an edible root system, making them particularly valuable during late-season feeding when other food sources become scarce. Kale stands out for its remarkable cold hardiness and rich nutrient content, ensuring a consistent food supply even during harsh winters. Radishes, often referred to as daikon or forage radishes, play a crucial role in soil improvement, breaking up compacted soil and attracting deer with their fleshy roots. Cabbage is another solid option for foliage production.
Many land managers opt for hybrid or blended brassica seed mixes, combining the strengths of multiple varieties to create a more diverse and resilient food plot. When selecting your brassica varieties, carefully consider your local climate, especially the length of your growing season and the severity of winter. Evaluate your soil type – some brassicas thrive in well-drained soils, while others are more tolerant of heavier clay. Think about the specific wildlife species you aim to attract. Deer may prefer one type of brassica, while turkey might favor another. Finally, consider the timing of use. Do you want to attract wildlife early in the hunting season, or provide a late-season food source to help them through the winter?
Popular choices include Dwarf Essex Rape, Purple Top Turnips, and various proprietary blends from reputable seed companies. Research different options to find the brassica varieties best suited to your specific needs.
Planning Your Brassica Food Plot
Careful planning is the foundation of any successful brassica food plot. The first step is selecting the right location. Prioritize areas that receive ample sunlight, ideally a minimum of six hours per day. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent root rot and ensure healthy plant growth. While not always possible, consider choosing a site with access to a water source. This can be especially beneficial during dry periods. Make sure the location is easily accessible for planting, maintenance, and future harvests. Manage existing vegetation by removing weeds and grasses that could compete with your brassicas for resources.
Next, conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. Brassicas thrive in a soil pH range of six point zero to seven point zero. If your soil is too acidic, you’ll need to apply lime to raise the pH. The soil test will also reveal any nutrient deficiencies, particularly in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Based on the results, you can apply the appropriate type and amount of fertilizer to ensure your brassicas have the nutrients they need to flourish. Follow the fertilizer recommendations provided with your soil test for optimal results.
Consider the size and shape of your food plot. While there’s no magic number, a minimum plot size of at least one acre is generally recommended to provide a sufficient food source for wildlife. Consider using varied shapes to allow for even browsing and reduced competition. Finally, carefully calculate your seed selection and quantity based on the recommended seeding rates for each variety. Purchase certified seed from a reputable source to ensure high germination rates. Some seeds are treated with beneficial coatings that protect them from pests and diseases.
Planting Your Brassica Food Plot
Timing is everything when it comes to planting your brassica food plot. The optimal planting window typically falls in late summer or early fall, allowing the brassicas enough time to establish before the first frost. Consider your local climate and adjust the planting date accordingly. Ideally, you want to plant at least six to eight weeks before the expected first frost date.
Proper soil preparation is crucial for successful germination. Tillage, whether through disking, plowing, or no-till methods, helps to create a suitable seedbed. Prior to planting, control weeds with herbicides or cultivation. Then, choose your planting method. Broadcasting involves spreading the seed over the soil surface, while drilling utilizes a seed drill for more precise seed placement. After planting, cultipacking helps to firm the soil and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. The recommended seed depth for brassicas is typically shallow, around one-quarter to one-half inch.
Maintaining Your Brassica Food Plot
Once your brassicas are planted, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure a thriving food plot. Consistent weed control is vital. Use pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds from germinating, or post-emergent herbicides to control existing weeds. Mowing can also help to suppress weeds and allow the brassicas to thrive. For smaller plots, hand weeding may be necessary.
Consider applying additional fertilizer in mid-season to give your brassicas a boost. Top-dressing with nitrogen or using foliar feeding can help to address any nutrient deficiencies. Be vigilant about pest control. Common pests include cabbage aphids and flea beetles. Consider using insecticides sparingly and prioritizing beneficial insects whenever possible.
Managing grazing pressure is crucial to prevent overgrazing. If deer or other wildlife are consuming the brassicas faster than they can grow, consider rotating plots or fencing off portions of the plot to allow them to recover. Look for signs of overgrazing, such as stunted plant growth and bare patches of soil.
Troubleshooting Common Brassica Food Plot Problems
Despite your best efforts, you may encounter some challenges. Poor germination can be caused by dry soil, planting the seeds too deep, or using old seed. Slow growth can result from nutrient deficiencies or insufficient sunlight. Weed infestations often stem from poor soil preparation or a lack of weed control. Insect damage can be addressed with appropriate pest control measures. With careful monitoring and timely intervention, you can overcome these challenges and maintain a healthy and productive brassica food plot.
Benefits Beyond Wildlife Attraction
Brassica food plots offer numerous benefits beyond simply attracting wildlife. As cover crops, they improve soil structure and fertility. Their dense foliage helps to prevent soil erosion. They can also suppress weeds and reduce the need for herbicides.
Conclusion
Creating a thriving brassica food plot is a rewarding endeavor that benefits both wildlife and the land. By following these guidelines, you can unlock the full potential of brassicas and create a vibrant habitat for years to come. Visit your local seed supplier to start planning your *brassica bonanza* today! Explore reputable wildlife management websites and university extension programs for additional resources and localized recommendations. Happy planting!
