Food Plots Sometimes it just happens…

[Popcorn]

I have posted some great pictures of this plot in the past. Balansa clover waist deep and cereal rye. For 2 years now I have not planted a seed in it, I spray kill it in late July, I burn it in august and in September it is our dove field.
Then in October the balansa returns on its own, this year it's beautiful!

 

[BSK]

Wow, that plot looks awesome!

 

[lafn96]

Just spread a bunch of balansa in two low areas I have that stay pretty wet year round. Got good germination, but the majority of it is only a few inches high after 7 weeks. Any suggestions?

 

[Popcorn]

Just spread a bunch of balansa in two low areas I have that stay pretty wet year round. Got good germination, but the majority of it is only a few inches high after 7 weeks. Any suggestions?

Clover is affected by the weather even if there is moisture, heat and dry air will slow it if not stress it. Fertilize with 6-24-24, do a soil test to determine if lime is required. Amend and be patient. Your clover will need to establish a healthy root system before it will flourish. Fall and winter are perfect for establishing clover that will last because to cool dry weather promotes root development before fodder. This makes the plant more likely to resist heat and drought related stress

 

[tellico4x4]

Looks great!

 

[lafn96]

Clover is affected by the weather even if there is moisture, heat and dry air will slow it if not stress it. Fertilize with 6-24-24, do a soil test to determine if lime is required. Amend and be patient. Your clover will need to establish a healthy root system before it will flourish. Fall and winter are perfect for establishing clover that will last because to cool dry weather promotes root development before fodder. This makes the plant more likely to resist heat and drought related stress

Thank you!

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Looks good! They are really hammering the clover right now

 

[Popcorn]

Looks good! They are really hammering the clover right now

In western KY the ground is carpeted with acorns but you are right they are keeping my smaller clover plots clipped like a golf course.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

In western KY the ground is carpeted with acorns but you are right they are keeping my smaller clover plots clipped like a golf course.

Same!

 

[BSK]

They are hammering my clover.

 

[DoubleRidge]

That plot looks great!!

 

[megalomaniac]

Wish I had a plot that good this year!!!!

 

[East10buck]

Beautiful, its a dust bowl in my area. A lot of seed wasted to the turkey and dove.

 

[BigAl]

@Popcorn what do you spray it with in July?

 

[Popcorn]

The balansa is a cool weather clover and is usually dormant by the end of July. I spray glyphosate to knock down weeds and grasses that have shown up. Usually spray wait 2 to 3 weeks and spray again. If I have some problem weeds I will step up to liberty

 

[eyeseeker]

I just ordered some for a plot that needs to be replanted. My plan is to lightly disc on Sunday and spread immediately after before the rain Mon/Tues. This plot Is usually very dry so I'm hoping the deeper root system will help it persist where others have failed....thoughts ?

 

[megalomaniac]

I just ordered some for a plot that needs to be replanted. My plan is to lightly disc on Sunday and spread immediately after before the rain Mon/Tues. This plot Is usually very dry so I'm hoping the deeper root system will help it persist where others have failed....thoughts ?

Balansa doesn't love very dry soils, esp those that are dry and sandy... in fact, one of it's strengths is that it is the most tolerant clover of wet soils. It can even handle brief periods of flooding. I would probably favor annual crimson clover over Balansa in very dry soils.

 

[BSK]

Balansa doesn't love very dry soils, esp those that are dry and sandy... in fact, one of it's strengths is that it is the most tolerant clover of wet soils. It can even handle brief periods of flooding. I would probably favor annual crimson clover over Balansa in very dry soils.

This. Crimson handles terrible soils very well. And if you allow crimson to bloom out in late spring (mid-May), and then mow it (but DON'T turn the ground) it reseeds itself amazingly well. The plot pictured below was not seeded this year. All of the clover is volunteer clover from natural reseeding.

 

[eyeseeker]

Hmm.... well seed is ordered. Maybe I should plant in a plot along the creek. It's pretty damp down there most of the time.

 

[Popcorn]

Hmm.... well seed is ordered. Maybe I should plant in a plot along the creek. It's pretty damp down there most of the time.

You will be glad you did!