Clover is a perennial forage option for deer management, offering high protein and palatability. Establishing a successful clover food plot provides a consistent source of nutrition, attracting and holding deer on your property over multiple seasons. The process involves careful planning, meticulous soil preparation, and diligent long-term maintenance. This guide outlines the steps necessary to transform bare ground into a thriving clover field.
Selecting the Best Clover Variety
Choosing the appropriate clover variety is the first step toward a productive food plot, aligning with your specific environmental conditions. White clover, particularly improved varieties like Ladino or Durana, is a popular perennial choice due to its high protein and ability to withstand heavy grazing pressure. These low-growing types spread by stolons, making them resilient under constant deer browse. White clover generally performs best in well-drained, moist soils and is highly attractive to deer.
Red clover is a short-lived perennial that grows taller than white clover, offering significant biomass and deeper roots that enhance drought tolerance. While often less palatable than white clover, it is more resilient to colder temperatures and tolerates slightly more acidic soil. Crimson clover is an annual variety that establishes quickly, providing early forage in the late fall and winter months. Selecting a blend of different perennial clovers is often the best approach, as it diversifies the plot, extends the growing season, and accommodates a wider range of conditions.
Preparing the Soil for Optimal Growth
Soil preparation is the most important factor determining the longevity and success of a clover plot. The process must begin with a comprehensive soil test, which provides precise information about the current soil pH and nutrient levels (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, or NPK). Clover thrives best in a near-neutral pH range, typically between 6.0 and 7.0, with nutrient availability dropping significantly outside this range. If the test reveals acidic soil, agricultural lime must be applied to raise the pH level.
Applying agricultural lime is a long-term adjustment, often taking six months to a year to fully neutralize the soil acidity. The required amount is usually substantial, often between one to three tons per acre, depending on the current pH. Once the lime is worked in, existing weeds and grasses should be eliminated by spraying a non-selective herbicide, such as glyphosate, several weeks before planting. After the vegetation dies, the plot should be tilled or disked to create a smooth, firm seedbed.
The soil test also dictates the necessary fertilizer application, which should be done just before planting. Legumes like clover fix their own nitrogen once established, so the initial fertilizer should contain little to no nitrogen, such as a 0-20-20 blend. A low-nitrogen starter fertilizer, like 5-20-20, can support the young seedling until it develops nitrogen-fixing root nodules. The soil must be amended and worked until it is smooth and firm, as the tiny clover seeds require very shallow planting and excellent soil contact for germination.
Sowing and Establishment Methods
The timing of sowing is crucial. Most perennial clovers perform best when planted in late summer or early fall, allowing young plants to establish a robust root system before the following summer’s heat. Spring planting is also possible, especially in northern climates, but requires diligent weed control. Seeding rates typically fall between 5 to 10 pounds per acre for white clover when broadcast. It is recommended to purchase pre-inoculated seed or apply the correct Rhizobium bacteria inoculant just before planting, which is necessary for nitrogen fixation.
Clover seed should be planted at a depth no greater than a quarter-inch. Broadcasting the seed across the prepared seedbed is a common method; spread half the seed in one direction and the other half perpendicular to ensure even coverage. After broadcasting, ensuring proper seed-to-soil contact is the most important step for establishment. This is achieved by using a cultipacker or roller to gently press the seeds into the soil surface, locking in moisture and promoting rapid germination.
Long-Term Plot Maintenance
Maintaining a clover plot is necessary to preserve its productivity and extend its life. The primary threat is competition from unwanted grasses and broadleaf weeds. Grass competition can be managed effectively by applying a grass-selective herbicide, such as Clethodim, which will not harm the clover. For broadleaf weeds, herbicides like 2,4-DB are used, controlling the weeds without killing the clover.
Mowing is an important maintenance tool. The ideal timing is when the clover reaches a height of 10 to 12 inches and is beginning to flower. Mowing should be done to a height of about 6 inches, which encourages new, tender growth and prevents weeds from producing seed. Mowing during the flowering stage also helps spread the clover’s own seed, aiding in natural reseeding.
Periodic re-fertilization is required, even though the clover produces its own nitrogen. Annually, usually in the spring, the plot should be top-dressed with a no-nitrogen fertilizer like 0-20-20, replenishing the phosphorus and potassium. A follow-up soil test every three to four years will confirm if additional lime or fertilizer is needed to keep the pH and nutrient levels optimal. This routine care ensures the perennial plot remains a dense, attractive forage source.