How Do You Control Weeds In Wildlife Food Plots?
Wildlife food plots are often included in environmental management plans, especially those that manage for game species such as deer and upland game. Food plots are one way to ensure game species have adequate and reliable food resources, acting as a buffer during stressful times. To maximize their benefits, weed control is an important part of food plot maintenance. If left unchecked, invasive plant species can out-compete native food sources, replacing plants with others of little value to wildlife. Prepare the soil with a broad spectrum herbicide such as RoundUp. Because it is non-selective, the herbicide will kill a variety of weeds, both grasses and broadleaf plants such as ragweed or thistle. In effect, it clears the slate for a new planting. Note the predominant type of weed present, either grass or broadleaf. Knowing the primary weed present in the seed base can guide decisions for future plantings, allowing application of a selective herbicide to reduce environmental impact. F
