Food Plot Management: Preserve Crops And Monitor The Growth And Consumption Patterns

Establishing a series of plants for deer to consume and using a barricade and a camera system are important elements of a successful food plot management plan. After planting some crops that deer prefer, take steps to preserve the plants and monitor the growth and consumption patterns associated with the setup.

The Initial Stages

Researching plant growth requirements will help you choose seed varieties and an ideal planting location. Overgrowth should not block sunlight which is essential for plant growth. After clearing and tilling the land, planting seeds in rows will be necessary. In spite of setting up a well-organized plot, you will need to consider how wildlife could impede the growth of the new plants.

The plot should have a barricade surrounding it. A barricade will temporarily deter deer and other wildlife from consuming plants that are still becoming established. The barricade can be constructed of netting, plywood, or another material that doesn't contain wide gaps in it. If you choose a material like netting, you will be able to use an irrigation system, without needing to remove the barricade from the perimeter of the plot.

Growth And Consumption Patterns

Monitoring the growth of the crops will help you determine when you should remove the barricade from the land. If some plants do not do as well as others, you can make adjustments to the manner in which you tend to the plot. A series of trail cameras can be installed near the plot. One camera can be used to monitor each side of a plot. All of the cameras should have their lenses directed at the plot.

Upon installing the cameras, they can be programmed to interact with your smartphone or another internet-connected device. This type of monitoring can be conducted remotely and will limit the number of times that you need to walk or drive out to the plot. The cameras can also be used to observe consumption patterns. Once you are ready for the deer to access the plot, the barricades should be removed from around the plot.

Afterward, you will have full access to remote observations. These observations will allow you to determine how many deer are visiting the plot. You will also learn invaluable information about the consumption patterns of wildlife. If the deer seem to favor one type of crop over the others, you can make a note of it and plan on replanting this crop variety during the following growing season.

For more information on food plot management, contact a professional near you.


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