Alfalfa is a highly prized forage crop for specialized food plots intended for white-tailed deer. Its value stems from its perennial nature and high crude protein content, often ranging between 15% and 25%. This nutritional profile provides the necessary building blocks for antler development in bucks and supports healthy lactation and fawn growth in does. Establishing a successful, long-lasting alfalfa plot requires careful planning well before planting.
Soil Preparation and Site Selection
The success of a perennial alfalfa stand relies heavily upon meticulous site selection and soil chemistry correction. Alfalfa requires consistently well-drained soil and a location that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Sites prone to standing water or excessive shade should be completely avoided, as these conditions rapidly promote root rot and reduce overall plant vigor.
A soil test provides the precise measurements necessary for successful establishment. Alfalfa demands a high soil pH, ideally residing between 6.5 and 7.0. If the pH is below this target, agricultural lime must be applied six to twelve months prior to planting. This timing allows sufficient time for the material to neutralize the soil acidity effectively.
Beyond pH, the soil test guides the application of macronutrients, particularly phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Alfalfa consumes these nutrients in large quantities to support robust root development and overall plant health. Applying the recommended amounts of P and K, typically broadcast and incorporated into the topsoil, ensures the plot has the foundational fertility needed for multiple years of production. Proper preparation minimizes the risk of stand failure and maximizes the plot’s long-term attractiveness to deer.
Optimal Timing for Planting
The ideal time to plant alfalfa is dictated by the local climate and regional weather patterns, utilizing two main windows. In northern latitudes, late summer planting is the preferred strategy, scheduled six to eight weeks before the average date of the first hard freeze. This timing, typically August 1st to September 15th, allows seedlings to establish a deep root system while avoiding intense spring weed pressure.
Conversely, in warmer, southern regions, early spring planting is the more reliable choice, usually occurring between February and April. Southern summers often bring prolonged periods of high heat and drought, which are detrimental to vulnerable late-summer seedlings. Planting in the spring allows the young plants to mature and harden off before the onset of stressful summer conditions.
Regardless of the region, the goal is to provide the seedlings with a period of moderate temperature and reliable moisture for initial establishment. Attempting to plant during periods of extreme heat or extended drought significantly lowers the germination rate and dramatically increases the chances of stand failure. Adjusting the planting date based on immediate weather forecasts, rather than strictly adhering to a calendar date, often yields superior results.
The Planting Process and Establishment
Once the soil chemistry is corrected and the optimal planting window arrives, specific steps ensure proper establishment. Alfalfa seed must be inoculated with the correct strain of Rhizobium meliloti bacteria. This bacteria is necessary for the plant to form root nodules capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Applying the inoculation just prior to planting facilitates the symbiotic relationship, providing the alfalfa with its own nitrogen source and reducing the need for fertilizer.
The recommended seeding rate for establishing a pure stand of alfalfa is typically between 15 and 20 pounds of coated seed per acre. Achieving good seed-to-soil contact is more important than depth, as alfalfa seeds must be planted very shallowly, ideally no deeper than one-quarter to one-half inch. Planting any deeper than this critical range can prevent the delicate seedlings from successfully emerging.
After broadcasting the seed, using a cultipacker or roller is an effective method to press the seed firmly into the soil surface. The firm contact ensures consistent moisture uptake and maximizes the germination potential across the entire plot. Proper preparation and seeding techniques during this phase determine the density and longevity of the resulting forage stand.
Long-Term Management for Deer Attraction
Maintaining a lush, palatable alfalfa plot requires consistent management after establishment. Deer prefer tender, new growth over mature forage, so timely mowing stimulates continuous production of fresh shoots. It is recommended to mow the alfalfa when it reaches 10 to 12 inches high, cutting the stand down to approximately four to six inches.
Weed control is a continuous challenge in perennial alfalfa stands, as competing vegetation can quickly reduce the availability and quality of the forage. Specific herbicides, such as clethodim for controlling grass weeds or 2,4-DB for broadleaf weeds, may be applied to selectively remove competition without damaging the alfalfa. Alternatively, timely mowing can suppress many broadleaf weeds that attempt to grow taller than the alfalfa stand.
Since alfalfa extracts significant amounts of nutrients from the soil over multiple years, especially potassium and phosphorus, re-fertilization is periodically necessary. Conducting a new soil test every two to three years allows managers to identify and correct any nutrient deficiencies that could otherwise lead to a decline in plant health and overall attractiveness to deer. This continuous attention to soil health ensures the plot remains a highly productive resource for wildlife.