Understanding Food Plot Peas
What are food plot peas?
Food plots, the art of cultivating dedicated areas to provide food for wildlife or livestock, have become increasingly popular. Among the myriad of options available to landowners and gardeners seeking to enhance habitat or provide supplemental nutrition, food plot peas stand out as a valuable and often overlooked choice. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of food plot peas, exploring their benefits, planting methods, and essential care tips to help you successfully cultivate this versatile crop.
Why Choose Food Plot Peas?
Food plot peas refer to a group of pea varieties specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in field conditions and provide a significant nutritional boost for wildlife, livestock, or even soil health. These peas offer a palatable and highly digestible forage option.
Common types of peas used
You have different types of food plot peas at your disposal.
Common types include:
Austrian Winter Peas: Renowned for their cold hardiness, Austrian Winter Peas are a popular choice for fall planting in many regions. They can withstand harsh winter conditions and provide early-season forage.
Field Peas: These are a broader category encompassing various types, including forage peas and marrowfat peas. They often exhibit good growth and palatability.
Characteristics and traits of each variety
Peas generally have unique characteristics and traits. They are typically annual legumes, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. They are known for their climbing or vining growth habit, though some varieties are more erect. The foliage is rich in protein and other essential nutrients, making them highly attractive to many animals. Furthermore, the nitrogen-fixing ability of food plot peas is a crucial aspect. They pull nitrogen from the atmosphere and deposit it into the soil, enriching the land for future plantings.
Benefits of food plot peas
Why should you choose food plot peas? The benefits are numerous.
One of the primary advantages is the nutritional value. Food plot peas provide a significant source of protein, carbohydrates, and other vital nutrients that are essential for the growth, health, and reproduction of wildlife and livestock. Animals such as deer, turkeys, and various other bird species are drawn to the lush green foliage and the developing seeds of peas, using them as a food source.
Another huge reason for choosing food plot peas is the soil improvement that they foster. Peas, like all legumes, have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria reside in nodules on the pea roots, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for the plant. This process enriches the soil, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and boosting the health of the soil.
Planting and maintaining food plot peas is also easy. Compared to other crops, peas are relatively low-maintenance. They don’t require excessive fertilization or irrigation (depending on your location), making them an attractive option for both experienced landowners and beginners.
The plants also attract many animals. Their high palatability and nutritional profile make them highly desirable to a wide range of animals. The combination of nutritious foliage and developing seeds keeps attracting various animals throughout the growing season, which may be the primary goal when creating a food plot.
Planning Your Food Plot
Site Selection
Successful food plot establishment begins with meticulous planning.
Choose a location that receives ample sunlight, ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This is especially important for seed germination and healthy plant growth. Evaluate the soil conditions. Well-drained soil is essential. Peas don’t thrive in waterlogged conditions.
Soil Testing and Preparation
Conduct a soil test. Soil tests provide critical information about the soil’s pH and nutrient levels. This will determine if any fertilizer or soil amendments are needed. Proper soil pH is critical for optimal pea growth. Peas generally prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0).
Soil preparation is also key. The process involves tilling or discing the soil to break up the existing vegetation and create a seedbed. Aim for a fine, even soil texture that will facilitate proper seed-to-soil contact.
Choosing the Right Pea Variety for Your Area
Consider which food plot pea variety is most suitable for your area. Your region’s climate and growing season will dictate which peas you choose. Austrian winter peas are a good choice for fall plantings in cooler climates. Determine the optimal planting time based on the frost dates and growing season length in your region.
Match the pea variety to the target species. If you are managing a deer herd, you might choose a variety known for high palatability. For livestock, select a variety that is suitable for grazing. Also, make sure the seeds are readily available.
Planting Food Plot Peas
Timing and Planting Methods
Timing is everything.
Plant at the appropriate time for your region. Planting times vary, but generally, peas are planted in the spring (for a summer harvest) or the fall (for a winter and spring harvest). Consult with your local agricultural extension office or seed supplier for the recommended planting dates in your area.
Decide on the best planting method. Peas can be planted using either a drill or broadcast method. Drilling provides more precise seed placement and depth control. Broadcasting involves scattering the seeds evenly across the prepared seedbed. Incorporate broadcasting by disking or raking to cover the seeds.
Seeding Rates
Recommended seed depth and spacing also depend on the method. For drilling, aim for a depth of 1-2 inches. If broadcasting, incorporate the seeds to a similar depth. Proper spacing between seeds encourages optimal plant growth.
Seeding rates are another factor. The recommended seeding rate depends on the planting method, the pea variety, and the size of the food plot. Generally, broadcast seeding rates are higher than drilling rates. Refer to the seed package for specific recommendations, and if in doubt, seek advice from an agricultural professional.
Inoculation
Always inoculate pea seeds. This is a vital step that is often overlooked. Inoculation involves coating the pea seeds with a specific type of bacteria known as *Rhizobium*. These bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with the peas, attaching to the roots and converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form the peas can use. This process dramatically improves soil health and plant growth. You can buy inoculant specific for peas.
Growing and Maintaining Your Food Plot
Watering and Irrigation
Maintaining a healthy food plot requires consistent care.
Watering and irrigation may be needed in dry periods. Water requirements depend on your local rainfall and the weather conditions. During germination, the plants need consistent moisture. Monitor your plot and provide supplemental watering when necessary.
Weed Control
Weed control is crucial. Weeds can compete with peas for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied before the peas emerge to control weeds. Once the peas are up, post-emergent herbicides or manual weeding may be necessary. Choose herbicides carefully, keeping in mind the potential impact on wildlife.
Pest and Disease Management
Managing pests and diseases is also essential. Inspect your food plot regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include aphids, bean leaf beetles, and pea weevils. Diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and downy mildew can also affect peas. Treatment options vary depending on the specific problem.
Monitoring and Assessing Growth
You must monitor and assess the plant’s growth. Throughout the growing season, regularly observe your food plot. Note plant growth, leaf color, and any signs of pest or disease infestation. The observations allow you to make timely adjustments to your management practices.
Harvesting and Utilizing Your Food Plot
When to Harvest or Graze
Know when to harvest. The timing of when to harvest or graze your food plot will be influenced by your goals and the species you are targeting. If you are managing for deer, you might let the peas mature further to provide seeds.
Managing the Food Plot After Harvest
You must properly manage the food plot after harvest. After harvesting or grazing, consider mowing the remaining vegetation to promote new growth. In some cases, disking or tilling may be necessary to prepare the plot for future planting or crop rotation. Soil conservation techniques are important.
Integrating Peas into a Larger Food Plot Strategy
If you’re interested in integrating peas into a larger food plot strategy, consider combining peas with other crops for a balanced diet. Peas can work well with other legumes, such as clover and alfalfa. In terms of crop rotation, rotating your food plot peas with different crops helps to break up pest and disease cycles, as well as improves soil health and fertility.
Benefits of Food Plot Peas
For Wildlife
The benefits are vast.
For wildlife such as deer and birds, food plot peas offer nutritional value and attract them. The foliage and seeds provide a vital source of protein, carbohydrates, and energy. The peas provide shelter and cover, making them a safe haven.
For Soil Health
Food plot peas improve soil health. The nitrogen-fixing capabilities of peas naturally enrich the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting long-term soil health. They also provide ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion.
For Livestock
In the case of livestock, peas provide high-quality grazing potential. The palatable foliage and seeds are a valuable feed source.
Challenges and Considerations
Pest and Disease Issues
The challenges are part of the process.
Pests and diseases can significantly affect food plot peas. Take the time to monitor and implement proper management strategies. Overgrazing by wildlife is also possible. If deer pressure is high, you may need to adjust the planting area or implement deterrents.
Cost and Labor Involved
Cost and labor should also be considered. Planting and maintaining a food plot requires an investment in seeds, fertilizer, and equipment, along with the time and effort needed for proper management. Climate plays a role. Drought or excessive rainfall can influence the success of your food plot.
Conclusion
Food plot peas offer a fantastic way to enhance wildlife habitat, improve soil health, and provide nutritious forage. From understanding the different pea varieties to mastering planting and maintenance, this guide has provided you with the essential knowledge needed to successfully establish and manage food plot peas in your area. By incorporating these practices, you can create a thriving food plot.
