Planning and Preparation
Assessing Your Needs
The first step is to thoroughly assess your specific needs. Consider these fundamental questions:
Plot Size: How large are your planned food plots? Small plots may require different equipment than expansive acreage. This factor significantly influences the type and size of equipment you’ll need.
Terrain: What is the terrain like? Is it flat, hilly, rocky, or wooded? The terrain heavily dictates the types of implements that will function optimally. A steep incline demands powerful, capable machinery.
Crop Selection: What crops do you plan to plant? Different crops have different planting requirements. Consider the soil type needed for each crop and the best planting strategy.
Budget: How much are you willing to spend on equipment? Establish a realistic budget early on, as the cost of food plot equipment can vary considerably.
UTV Considerations
Your UTV is the workhorse, and understanding its capabilities is crucial. Consider:
Payload Capacity: What’s the maximum weight your UTV can handle? This will impact what you can haul, tow, and mount. Overloading can damage your UTV or pose safety risks.
Towing Capacity: Can your UTV tow a trailer or other implements? If so, what is the maximum weight?
Tire Selection: The right tires are crucial for traction and handling. Consider your terrain. Aggressive tread patterns work well in muddy or uneven areas, while a more general tread might be suitable for flatter terrain.
UTV Modifications: Consider any modifications that could enhance your food plot operations. A winch can prove invaluable for pulling implements or recovering your UTV. A brush guard can protect the front of your vehicle from damage.
Safety First
Safety is paramount. Before you begin, review these essential guidelines:
UTV Safety Guidelines: Always wear a helmet and seatbelt when operating your UTV. Be aware of your surroundings and drive at a safe speed.
Equipment Handling: Read and understand the instructions for each piece of equipment. Store equipment properly when not in use to prevent accidents or damage.
Personal Protective Equipment: Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with machinery, fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. This includes gloves, eye protection (goggles or safety glasses), and appropriate clothing.
Essential Food Plot Equipment for UTVs
Now let’s explore the equipment that will help you get the job done effectively.
Tilling Equipment
Tilling is the foundation of any successful food plot. It breaks up the soil, preparing it for planting and improving root growth.
Disc Harrows
Disc harrows are a mainstay of food plot preparation, and a great tool for turning the soil.
Description and Uses: Disc harrows consist of a series of concave steel discs mounted on an axle. They are dragged behind the UTV to till the soil, chop up existing vegetation, and incorporate organic matter. They work well for larger plots where more aggressive tillage is needed.
Types: Pull-behind disc harrows are the most common. Offset harrows, with the front and rear gangs of discs angled differently, offer improved soil penetration and a more uniform tillage.
Considerations: Choose a disc harrow with a width appropriate for your UTV and plot size. The number of discs affects the tilling action. Heavier harrows generally offer more effective tillage.
UTV Cultivators/Tillers
For smaller plots or areas with limited access, a UTV cultivator or tiller is an excellent choice.
Description and Uses: These implements are designed for lighter-duty tillage. They are typically mounted on the UTV or towed behind it and use rotating tines to break up the soil.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Cultivators are generally more compact and maneuverable than disc harrows, making them ideal for tight spaces. They might not be as effective at breaking up heavily compacted soil or dense vegetation.
Box Blades/Graders
Box blades are versatile tools for leveling the ground, grading driveways, and removing unwanted materials.
Description and Uses: Box blades have a reinforced box-like structure with a cutting edge or set of teeth. They are dragged behind the UTV to smooth the soil and improve the overall landscape.
Blade Size and Features: Choose a box blade with a width that matches your UTV and the size of your plot. Consider blades with scarifier teeth for breaking up compacted soil.
Seeding Equipment
Once the soil is prepared, it’s time to get those seeds in the ground.
Broadcast Spreaders
Broadcast spreaders are the standard for dispensing seed and fertilizer over large areas.
Description and Uses: Broadcast spreaders use a spinning disc to fling seeds or granular materials outwards, covering a wide swath. They are ideal for broadcasting seeds and granular fertilizer.
Types: Pull-behind spreaders are common, but UTV-mounted versions are also available.
Considerations: Choose a spreader with a capacity that meets your needs. A wider spread width increases efficiency. Accurate control mechanisms are necessary to ensure the proper application rate.
Drill Seeders
Drill seeders offer more precise seed placement, leading to potentially better germination and stand establishment.
Description and Uses: Drill seeders use rows of discs or coulters to cut furrows in the soil, deposit seeds at a controlled depth, and then cover them with soil.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Drills provide better seed-to-soil contact, leading to improved germination rates. They are more expensive and require more careful calibration.
Considerations: Row spacing and seed box capacity are important considerations. The width of the drill is also something to factor in.
Other Important Equipment
Beyond tilling and seeding, there are other tools that are essential for maintaining a healthy food plot.
Sprayers
Effective weed and insect control are critical. Sprayers help you apply herbicides, pesticides, and liquid fertilizers.
Description and Uses: Sprayers consist of a tank, pump, hose, and nozzles. They are used to apply liquid products to control weeds, pests, and diseases or to provide nutrients.
Types: Spot sprayers are ideal for targeting weeds. Boom sprayers cover a larger area.
Considerations: Tank capacity should be sufficient for the size of your plots. The type of nozzle will influence the spray pattern.
Cultipackers/Drag Harrows
After broadcasting seed, you want to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Description and Uses: Cultipackers consist of a series of heavy rollers. Drag harrows use a series of teeth or tines to lightly drag over the soil. They help cover the seed lightly.
Benefits: Packing down the soil with a cultipacker increases soil-to-seed contact, which is crucial for germination.
Trailers
A reliable trailer is invaluable for transporting equipment, supplies, and harvested crops.
Description and Uses: Trailers provide a convenient way to haul everything you need to your food plot.
Considerations: The size of the trailer and its load capacity are crucial considerations. Make sure the trailer is designed to handle the weight of your equipment.
Optional Equipment
Soil Testing Kits: To accurately measure your soil composition for informed fertilization.
GPS Units for Plot Mapping: To easily keep track of locations in the field, and for ease of access.
Water Tanks: For irrigating your plot in dry conditions.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your UTV
Selecting the right equipment is crucial for maximizing your investment and ensuring efficient food plot operations.
Match Equipment to Plot Size
The size of your plots is the biggest determining factor in selecting equipment. For small plots, you may be able to get away with using smaller, more maneuverable equipment. For larger plots, you’ll need equipment designed for heavy-duty use.
Consider the Type of Crops
Different crops have different planting requirements. This will influence your decision. Consider whether your crops need precision planting.
Evaluate Durability and Build Quality
Invest in equipment that is built to last. Look for sturdy construction, quality materials, and reputable brands.
Research Brands and Read Reviews
Do your homework. Read reviews and compare different brands and models. Talk to other food plot enthusiasts to get their recommendations.
Budgeting and Cost-Effectiveness
Set a budget, and stick to it. Don’t feel the need to purchase the biggest or most expensive equipment right away. Focus on getting the essential items first. Consider purchasing used equipment to save money.
Operation and Maintenance
Once you’ve invested in equipment, it’s important to use and maintain it properly.
Proper Operation
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each piece of equipment. Operate equipment at safe speeds. Adjust settings as needed to achieve the desired results.
Regular Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for extending the life of your equipment. This includes:
Cleaning and lubricating equipment after each use.
Inspecting equipment for wear and tear.
Proper storage during the off-season.
Sharpening blades.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Food Plots
Beyond the equipment, several other factors contribute to success.
Soil Testing
Soil testing is critical to understanding your soil’s composition. This will inform your fertilizer plan.
Crop Selection
Choose crops that are well-suited for your climate and soil conditions. Consider the nutritional needs of the wildlife you are trying to attract.
Timing
Plant at the proper time of year. Planting too early or too late can hinder germination.
Weed Control
Weeds compete with your crops. Develop a weed control strategy, which can include herbicides and mechanical methods.
Fertilization
Provide the necessary nutrients to your crops. Follow the recommendations from your soil test.
Watering
Provide ample water to your crops. Consider irrigation to supplement rainfall during dry periods.
