Planting food plots for deer is a crucial aspect of deer management, providing supplemental nutrition that can significantly impact deer health, antler growth, and population size. Soybeans are a popular choice for deer food plots due to their high protein content and palatability. However, timing is everything. Planting too early risks frost damage, while planting too late reduces the growing season and overall yield. So, how late can you plant soybeans for deer and still expect to see success? This article dives deep into this important question.
Understanding the Importance of Planting Time
The success of your soybean food plot hinges on several factors, but planting time is arguably the most critical. Getting it right ensures the soybeans have enough time to germinate, establish a strong root system, and produce sufficient forage before the first frost.
The Impact of Planting Too Early
Planting too early in the spring can be risky. Soybeans are susceptible to frost damage, particularly in the early stages of growth. A late frost can kill seedlings, requiring you to replant and setting your food plot back significantly. Early planting also increases the risk of disease and pest infestations, as young plants are more vulnerable.
The Risks of Planting Too Late
Planting too late is also problematic. Soybeans need a certain amount of time to mature and produce a significant amount of forage. If planted too late, they may not reach their full potential before the end of the growing season. This results in a smaller yield, which reduces the amount of food available for deer and diminishes the overall effectiveness of your food plot. Late planting can also lead to smaller plants with less robust root systems, making them less resilient to drought conditions.
Determining the Ideal Planting Window
The ideal planting window for soybeans varies depending on your geographic location and climate. Generally, soybeans should be planted after the last average frost date in your area.
Factors Influencing the Planting Window
Several factors influence the ideal planting window for soybeans:
- Geographic Location: The farther north you are, the shorter the growing season and the earlier you need to plant. Southern regions have a longer growing season, allowing for later planting.
- Climate: Local climate patterns, including average temperatures, rainfall, and frost dates, play a significant role. Monitor weather forecasts and historical data to determine the best planting time for your specific area.
- Soybean Variety: Different soybean varieties have different maturity dates. Choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate and growing season. Shorter-season varieties can be planted later than longer-season varieties.
- Soil Temperature: Soil temperature is a crucial factor in germination. Soybeans require a soil temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit for successful germination. Use a soil thermometer to monitor the temperature at planting depth.
General Guidelines for Planting Time
While specific dates vary, here are some general guidelines for planting soybeans for deer based on region:
- Southern States (e.g., Florida, Texas): Late April to June
- Mid-Atlantic States (e.g., Virginia, North Carolina): Mid-May to late June
- Midwestern States (e.g., Illinois, Iowa): Late May to early July
- Northern States (e.g., Minnesota, Wisconsin): Late May to mid-June
Always check with your local agricultural extension office for specific recommendations for your area.
Late Planting Considerations and Strategies
Even if you’ve missed the ideal planting window, there are still strategies you can employ to maximize your chances of success with late-planted soybeans.
Choosing the Right Soybean Variety
When planting late, selecting a short-season or “Group 0” or “Group I” soybean variety is crucial. These varieties mature more quickly, allowing them to produce a decent yield even with a shortened growing season. Check with your local seed supplier or agricultural extension office for recommendations on short-season varieties suitable for your region.
Optimizing Planting Techniques
Proper planting techniques are essential for late-planted soybeans. Ensure the soil is well-prepared and free of weeds. Plant the seeds at the recommended depth (usually 1-1.5 inches) to promote rapid germination. Consider using a no-till drill to minimize soil disturbance and conserve moisture.
Fertilization and Weed Control
Late-planted soybeans may benefit from a starter fertilizer to provide them with a boost of nutrients. Conduct a soil test to determine the appropriate fertilizer application rate. Weed control is also critical, as weeds can compete with the soybeans for resources and reduce yield. Use pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides as needed to keep your food plot weed-free.
Managing Deer Pressure
Deer can heavily browse young soybean plants, especially when other food sources are scarce. This browsing pressure can stunt growth and reduce yield. Consider using deer repellents or fencing to protect your food plot, especially during the early stages of growth. Planting a larger area can also help to dilute deer pressure.
Consider a Cover Crop Mix
If you are planting significantly late, consider using a cover crop mix alongside your soybeans. This mix can include fast-growing plants like oats, radishes, or turnips. These plants will provide additional forage for deer and help to suppress weeds, while the soybeans are establishing themselves.
Alternatives to Soybeans for Late Planting
If it’s simply too late to plant soybeans with a reasonable expectation of success, consider alternative food plot options that are more suitable for late-season planting.
Cereal Grains
Cereal grains like oats, wheat, and rye are excellent options for late-season food plots. They germinate quickly, tolerate cooler temperatures, and provide a significant amount of forage for deer throughout the fall and winter. They can be planted later than soybeans and still provide valuable nutrition.
Brassicas
Brassicas, such as turnips, radishes, and kale, are another good choice for late-season food plots. They are highly palatable to deer and provide a good source of energy during the colder months. Brassicas can be planted later than soybeans and still produce a substantial amount of forage.
Clover
While clover typically needs to be established earlier in the season, certain varieties can be planted in late summer or early fall. Clover provides a perennial food source for deer and can be a valuable addition to your food plot strategy.
Documenting Your Efforts
Keep a detailed record of your planting dates, soybean variety, fertilizer applications, weed control measures, and observed deer usage. This information will help you refine your food plot management strategies and make better decisions in future years.
Seeking Expert Advice
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from local agricultural extension agents, experienced food plot managers, or seed suppliers. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your specific region and growing conditions. Remember, knowledge is your greatest asset when it comes to creating successful food plots for deer.
While aiming for the optimal planting window is ideal, understanding the principles of late-season planting allows you to adapt and still provide valuable forage for deer. Careful planning, strategic variety selection, and proper management techniques can turn a potentially unsuccessful situation into a productive food plot. Remember to always prioritize soil health, manage weed competition, and protect your investment from excessive browsing pressure to maximize your chances of success, no matter when you plant.
How does planting soybeans late affect yield and browse availability for deer?
Planting soybeans late significantly reduces the potential yield. The shorter growing season limits the plant’s ability to fully mature and produce a large number of pods. This results in less overall biomass for deer to browse, and a lower seed production, which is a crucial food source later in the year. The plant won’t have as much time to accumulate nutrients and develop a robust root system either, making it more susceptible to environmental stressors.
Despite the reduced yield, late-planted soybeans can still offer valuable browse for deer. While the total amount of forage will be less, the young, tender growth is highly palatable and attractive to deer. Even a smaller plot of late-planted soybeans can provide a concentrated food source during a critical period, supplementing other available forage options and drawing deer to the area. You’ll just have to manage your expectations on the quantity and longevity of that browse.
What is considered “late” when planting soybeans for deer?
“Late” planting for soybeans depends on your geographic location and the average first frost date. Generally, planting after the optimal planting window, which usually falls in late spring to early summer, is considered late. Specifically, if you are planting past late June or early July, you are probably pushing the limits for good yield and browse potential. Check with your local agricultural extension office for recommended planting dates in your specific region.
Consider that the maturity group of the soybean variety you choose also plays a role. Planting a very late maturing variety, even within the normal planting window, can be risky if your growing season is short. If you are planting late, selecting an earlier maturing variety is generally recommended to maximize the chance of the plants reaching a usable stage before the first frost arrives. This will ensure some amount of browse for deer before winter.
What soybean variety is best for late-season planting for deer?
For late-season planting, choose an early-maturing soybean variety. These varieties require a shorter growing season to reach maturity, increasing the likelihood of producing usable forage before frost. Look for varieties with maturity groups (MG) 0, 00, or I depending on your geographical location and average frost dates. Check with your local seed supplier for recommendations on the best-performing early-maturing varieties in your area, specifically varieties known for their browse tolerance or palatability.
Consider the specific purpose of your food plot when selecting a variety. Some soybean varieties are bred primarily for grain production, while others are specifically developed for forage. For deer food plots, prioritize varieties that are known for their high leaf production and browse tolerance, as deer will be feeding on the leaves and stems rather than the grain. These varieties are often more resilient and can withstand grazing pressure better than grain-focused varieties. Also, consider disease and pest resistance of the different varieties.
Can I still use herbicides if planting soybeans late for deer?
Yes, you can still use herbicides when planting soybeans late, but timing and product selection are critical. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide before or shortly after planting can help control weed competition, which is especially important in a late-planted scenario where the soybeans have a shorter growing season to establish themselves. Choose a herbicide labeled for use on soybeans and effective against the specific weeds prevalent in your area. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and safety precautions.
Post-emergent herbicides can also be used if weeds emerge after the soybeans have sprouted. However, be mindful of the soybean growth stage and herbicide application restrictions. Some post-emergent herbicides can only be applied at specific growth stages, and improper application can damage or kill the soybeans. Consult with your local agricultural extension office or a certified crop advisor to determine the best herbicide program for your late-planted soybean food plot, ensuring effective weed control without harming the crop.
What soil preparation is needed for late-season soybean planting?
Proper soil preparation is crucial for successful late-season soybean planting. Conducting a soil test is the first step to determine the soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Soybeans thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.0-7.0). Amend the soil with lime or fertilizer based on the soil test recommendations to ensure the plants have access to the necessary nutrients for growth. Good soil structure will promote root development.
Tilling or disking the soil before planting is essential to create a loose and level seedbed. This will improve seed-to-soil contact, which is critical for germination and emergence. If the soil is compacted, consider using a chisel plow or subsoiler to break up the compaction layer. Avoid over-tilling the soil, as this can lead to moisture loss and soil erosion. Ideally, aim for a fine, firm seedbed that allows for uniform planting depth and good root establishment. Make sure the soil is free of large clods or debris that can impede seedling growth.
How does fertilizer impact late-season soybean planting?
Fertilizer plays a crucial role in maximizing the success of late-season soybean planting by providing the plants with the essential nutrients they need to grow and develop within a shorter timeframe. Soybeans require nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as micronutrients, for optimal growth. Conduct a soil test to determine the existing nutrient levels in your soil and identify any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Apply fertilizer based on the soil test recommendations to ensure that the soybeans have access to adequate nutrients throughout their growing season.
When applying fertilizer for late-season soybeans, consider using a starter fertilizer that contains a balanced ratio of N, P, and K. Starter fertilizers are applied at planting and provide seedlings with readily available nutrients during their early growth stages, which is particularly important when the growing season is limited. Additionally, consider using a nitrogen inoculant to promote nitrogen fixation in the soil. Soybeans can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, but this process requires the presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. Inoculants ensure that these bacteria are present and actively working to provide the plants with nitrogen.
What planting depth and seeding rate is best when planting late?
When planting soybeans late, proper planting depth and seeding rate are essential for maximizing emergence and stand establishment. A planting depth of 1 to 1.5 inches is generally recommended. This depth provides adequate moisture for germination and protects the seeds from drying out in the warmer soil temperatures that are common during late planting. Ensure uniform planting depth by using a planter or drill that is properly calibrated and adjusted for the soil conditions.
Increase the seeding rate by about 10-15% compared to the recommended rate for normal planting dates. This higher seeding rate compensates for the potentially reduced germination and emergence rates that can occur due to less-than-ideal soil conditions or increased weed competition in late-planted scenarios. A denser stand can help the soybeans compete more effectively with weeds and maximize the overall forage production. Consult your seed supplier for specific seeding rate recommendations for the chosen variety and local growing conditions, but remember that slightly denser planting is generally beneficial for late-season success.