Do you have any thoughts on cicer milkvetch and crownvetch? I'm thinking of making these 2 plants the main staples of my perennial food plot mixes. The main reason is they hold onto thier leaves late into the fall and early winter after hard frosts unlike most perennial forages like alfalfa and clover. They are commonly used for stockpile winter forage for livestock in some areas. In my region fall annuals are not an option due to summer/fall dry season and early frosts so only hardy perennials can provide adequate nutrition during hunting season.
I haven't done much research on alfalfa. Doesn't it go dormant in late fall / early winter?? I always want a strong food source during December and January so that's why I've personally stayed away from alfalfa. Can you plant other species into it, winter peas, brassica, cereal rye ect??
It does go dormant in the winter months based on latitude. Typically it is a stand alone crop. Yes we agree, and that is where having grains or some fall annual plots on your property can give you that late fall/winter food source. Things like clover and alfalfa will feed deer in spring, summer and early fall.
Ladino clover has more protein in it than alfalfa does. But alfalfa produces more tonnage but frosts out early. Pros and cons to both but I choose clover. Deer hit my clover til December
A mix of different plants is best because they mature at different times and produce continuous nutrition for deer and other animals. Monoculture produces limited time specific nutrition.
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Very good information and demonstration. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Do you have any thoughts on cicer milkvetch and crownvetch? I'm thinking of making these 2 plants the main staples of my perennial food plot mixes. The main reason is they hold onto thier leaves late into the fall and early winter after hard frosts unlike most perennial forages like alfalfa and clover. They are commonly used for stockpile winter forage for livestock in some areas. In my region fall annuals are not an option due to summer/fall dry season and early frosts so only hardy perennials can provide adequate nutrition during hunting season.
We wouldn't recommend crown vetch as it is considered invasive in many states.
I haven't done much research on alfalfa. Doesn't it go dormant in late fall / early winter??
I always want a strong food source during December and January so that's why I've personally stayed away from alfalfa. Can you plant other species into it, winter peas, brassica, cereal rye ect??
It does go dormant in the winter months based on latitude. Typically it is a stand alone crop. Yes we agree, and that is where having grains or some fall annual plots on your property can give you that late fall/winter food source. Things like clover and alfalfa will feed deer in spring, summer and early fall.
Deer love alfalfa, however I think it's awfully cost and maintenance prohibitive for the weekend warrior vs a clover plot.
That is certainly an argument to be made..
Ladino clover has more protein in it than alfalfa does. But alfalfa produces more tonnage but frosts out early. Pros and cons to both but I choose clover. Deer hit my clover til December
For sure pros and cons to both.
A mix of different plants is best because they mature at different times and produce continuous nutrition for deer and other animals.
Monoculture produces limited time specific nutrition.
Correct. We would certainly advocate for diversity on a property in general, but also in your food plots.
Dude, the question is which one attracts deer more. That’s the only question
They both attract deer. There are too many variables to say with certainty which one attracts more deer.