Arkansas Wildlife Food Plot Research Winds Up First Year

By Lamar James, U of A Cooperative Extension

First posted on 10-17-2008

LITTLE ROCK – Wildlife researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture are winding up the first year in a three-year project to determine the most attractive mix of plants for deer, quail, turkeys and other wildlife.

Wildlife food plot projects were established in 10 Arkansas counties to provide a range of information for the whole state. The counties are: Fulton, St. Francis, Phillips, Miller, Clark, Polk, Crawford, White, Lonoke and Pulaski.

The researchers used two seed mixes containing specific types of wheat, clover, turnip and canola and also ran a control plot. Eight locations germinated successfully and yielded data. Extension agents conducting the tests planted the seed between October 1 and November 1. Samples were harvested in March just after peak growth and the mass was measured.

“We’re pleased to see this project moving along,” said Dr. Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “And our participating agents are gung-ho to begin planting their second year’s plots in the coming month.”

The two seed mixes were a commercial mixture known as Biologic and a mix created by the researchers that mirrored the commercial seed with slightly different varieties. This combination, the Arkansas mix, was 50 percent Ranger wheat; 13 percent Arrowleaf clover; 9 percent Purpletop turnip, 8 percent white clover and 20 percent canola.

“We wanted to create a mix that was economical and effective for Arkansas landowners,” McPeake said. “So far the results are very encouraging and we’re looking forward to analyzing and publishing the results of the three-year study.”

Photo:
JUST A TRIM - Crawford County Extension Agent Michelle Buchanan clips plants inside cages to compare wildlife food plots.