Introduction
Clover food plots have become a cornerstone of wildlife management, providing essential forage for deer, turkey, rabbits, and a variety of other game and non-game species. The ability of clover to attract and sustain wildlife stems from its high protein content, palatability, and year-round availability in many climates. However, simply planting clover is not enough to guarantee a thriving and productive food plot. The secret to maximizing the potential of your clover lies in understanding the critical role of fertilization. Proper fertilization ensures lush growth, extends the plot’s lifespan, and significantly enhances its attractiveness to wildlife. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about fertilizing clover food plots, from understanding soil needs to selecting and applying the right nutrients.
Why Fertilize Clover Food Plots?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand why clover benefits so greatly from fertilization. Clover, like other legumes, possesses a unique ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobia bacteria in its root nodules. While this natural nitrogen fixation is a valuable asset, it doesn’t eliminate the need for supplemental fertilization. Other essential nutrients, like phosphorus and potassium, are often lacking in soils and are vital for optimal clover growth and overall health.
Fertilizing your clover food plot offers a multitude of benefits:
- Increased Forage Production: Adequate nutrient levels directly translate to increased biomass and a higher yield of nutritious forage. More clover means more food for the wildlife you’re trying to attract.
- Improved Plant Health and Vigor: Well-nourished clover plants are more resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses, such as drought and cold.
- Enhanced Palatability: Proper fertilization improves the taste and texture of clover, making it more appealing to wildlife. Animals are more likely to consistently utilize a food plot with palatable forage.
- Better Weed Competition: A dense, vigorously growing stand of clover effectively outcompetes weeds, reducing the need for herbicide applications and maintaining a clean, productive plot.
- Extended Plot Lifespan: Fertilization helps to prolong the lifespan of your clover food plot by promoting strong root systems and overall plant health. This saves you time and money on replanting and re-establishing the plot.
The Importance of Soil Testing
The first step in any successful fertilization program is conducting a thorough soil test. Soil testing provides a snapshot of your soil’s nutrient levels and pH, allowing you to make informed decisions about fertilizer application. Without a soil test, you’re essentially guessing, which can lead to over- or under-fertilization, wasting money and potentially harming your clover.
Collecting a soil sample is a straightforward process:
- Use a soil probe or shovel to collect samples from multiple locations within your food plot (at least ten to twenty).
- Take samples to a depth of six to eight inches.
- Mix the samples thoroughly in a clean bucket to create a composite sample.
- Spread out the soil and allow it to air dry.
- Place the dried soil in a soil testing bag (available from your local extension office or testing lab).
Your local cooperative extension office or a private soil testing laboratory can perform the soil test for you. Once you receive your results, you’ll gain valuable information about:
- pH: Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your soil. Clover thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH range between six point zero and seven point zero. An incorrect pH can prevent clover from absorbing available nutrients, even if they are present in the soil.
- Nitrogen (N): While clover fixes its own nitrogen, the soil test will give you an indication of the overall nitrogen levels in the soil.
- Phosphorus (P): This essential nutrient is crucial for root development, energy transfer, and overall plant health. The soil test will measure the amount of available phosphorus in your soil.
- Potassium (K): Potassium plays a vital role in water regulation, disease resistance, and protein synthesis. The soil test will determine the potassium levels in your soil.
If your soil pH is below the recommended range, you’ll need to apply lime to raise it. Lime is a soil amendment that neutralizes acidity and makes nutrients more available to plants. The soil test report will specify the amount of lime needed to achieve the desired pH.
Essential Nutrients for Clover
While clover obtains nitrogen through its symbiotic relationship with bacteria, phosphorus and potassium are generally the most limiting nutrients in clover food plots.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is critical for the establishment and growth of clover. It is essential for root development, energy transfer within the plant, and the production of flowers and seeds. Clover deficient in phosphorus will exhibit stunted growth and may have dark green leaves. Common sources of phosphorus fertilizer include triple superphosphate.
Potassium
Potassium is vital for overall plant health and vigor. It plays a key role in water regulation, disease resistance, and protein synthesis. Potassium deficiency in clover can manifest as scorched leaf margins and weakened stems. Potash is a common potassium fertilizer.
Nitrogen
As mentioned earlier, clover fixes its own nitrogen. However, in some cases, a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer may be beneficial during the initial establishment phase, particularly in soils with very low organic matter. Be cautious not to over-fertilize with nitrogen, as this can encourage the growth of grasses and weeds that will compete with the clover.
Other Micronutrients
Don’t overlook the importance of micronutrients, which are needed in smaller quantities but are still essential for plant health. Boron is especially crucial for clover development and sugar transport, and clover is particularly susceptible to boron deficiencies. Molybdenum is vital for the nitrogen fixation process. Consider a fertilizer blend with micronutrients if your soil test indicates deficiencies.
Types of Fertilizer for Clover
Several types of fertilizer are suitable for clover food plots:
Granular Fertilizer
Granular fertilizers are the most common and easiest to apply. They are typically broadcast across the food plot using a spreader. Granular fertilizers offer a slow-release of nutrients, providing a sustained feeding effect.
Liquid Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers offer a quick nutrient boost and can be applied through foliar application. Liquid fertilizers may be useful when addressing micronutrient deficiencies, but they are less effective for supplying phosphorus and potassium.
Lime
Lime is not technically a fertilizer, but it is a crucial soil amendment for clover food plots. Applying lime adjusts the soil’s pH levels, making nutrients more accessible to the plant.
Fertilizer bags display a series of three numbers, such as zero-twenty-twenty or zero-forty-six-zero. These numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively, in the fertilizer. Understanding these ratios allows you to select the right fertilizer based on your soil test recommendations.
Fertilizer Application Techniques
Proper fertilizer application is just as important as selecting the right fertilizer.
Timing
The best time to fertilize clover is either before planting or during the early stages of establishment. This ensures that the plants have access to the nutrients they need for healthy growth. A light maintenance application of fertilizer can be applied annually to maintain nutrient levels.
Methods
Broadcasting is the most common method for applying granular fertilizer. Use a fertilizer spreader to evenly distribute the fertilizer across the food plot.
Calibration
Calibrating your spreader is crucial for applying the correct amount of fertilizer. Consult your spreader’s manual for instructions on how to calibrate it.
Application Rates
Always follow the application rates recommended by your soil test or fertilizer manufacturer. Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as under-fertilizing.
Managing Your Clover Food Plot After Fertilization
Fertilizing your clover is just one step in creating a thriving food plot.
Weed Control
Keep weeds under control to prevent them from competing with your clover for nutrients and sunlight. Use selective herbicides to target weeds without harming your clover.
Mowing
Mowing clover helps to promote new growth and prevent it from becoming too stemmy. Mow the clover to a height of four to six inches.
Re-testing Soil
Regularly re-test your soil every two to three years to monitor nutrient levels and pH and adjust your fertilization program accordingly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper fertilization, you may encounter some challenges.
Poor Clover Growth Despite Fertilization
This could be due to compacted soil, poor drainage, weed competition, or insect or disease problems. Address these underlying issues to improve clover growth.
Yellowing or Browning Leaves
This could indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease. Consult your local extension office for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Specific Clover Varieties and Fertilizer Needs
While most clover varieties have similar fertilizer requirements, some may benefit from slight adjustments based on their specific characteristics. For instance, white clover may be more tolerant of lower phosphorus levels compared to red clover. However, it is always essential to base your fertilization program on a soil test rather than making generalizations based on clover variety.
Conclusion
Fertilizing clover food plots is a critical aspect of successful wildlife management. By understanding the importance of soil testing, selecting the right fertilizer, and applying it correctly, you can create a lush and productive food plot that attracts and sustains wildlife for years to come. Remember to consult with your local extension office or a qualified agricultural consultant for specific recommendations tailored to your region and soil conditions. A well-managed clover food plot is a valuable investment in wildlife conservation, providing essential forage and habitat for a diverse range of species. Proper fertilization ensures that your clover reaches its full potential, maximizing its benefits for both wildlife and the environment.
