Rocky Soil

[CHBUCK]

I would like to plant some type of plot in a one acre area. It gets plenty of sunlight on top of a ridge. I know that the soil is very shallow and probably can not be disc or plowed without tearing something up. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[BSK]

1) Forget about summer crops. Those thin, rocky ridge-top plots are better used for weed production in summer (they are naturally drought resistant). 2) Plant fall/winter annuals in September (wheat/annual clover).

 

[Football Hunter]

But,get a soil sample,to get it ready,also,Buckwheat may work,and will build your soil

 

[BSK]

Liming and fertilizing even those rocky, thin soils is critical. It will not only help the growth of your fall crops but will also greatly increase the growth of summer weeds. And remember, deer are basically "weed eaters." When available (summer) deer will consume weeds above all other natural foods. Weeds can provide almost as much digestible protein as the best summer crops.

Think of your summer weed production as a food plot and treat it accordingly. You just don't need to plant them!

 

[CHBUCK]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[CHBUCK]

Do I need to try and disc a little before planting? Or do I just overseed it?

 

[Football Hunter]

Do I need to try and disc a little before planting? Or do I just overseed it?

If you can,it wouldnt hurt.

 

[BSK]

Do I need to try and disc a little before planting? Or do I just overseed it?

If you can,it wouldnt hurt.

Exactly. But be forewarned that disking that type of ground can be very hard on equipment!

 

[BSK]

Winter Grazing Rye is a great "first plant" for tough-soil food plots. As Longhunter said, it is a good soil builder and can survive the worst soil conditions.