Food Plot Weed Control Vs Soil Quality

Which is more important - weed control or improving the soil? How about both? This video discusses the critical need to not only practice effective weed control and improve the soil, but HOW to do both!
*For the Kicking Bear deer hunting and habitat charity event, please email:
[e-mail]
*To learn how to keep up with your weed control and to build great soil, check out my collection of deer hunting and habitat web classes:
www.whitetailh...
*Make sure that you are practicing my highly proven weather based hunt predictions when you head out to hunt. Check out HuntCast, at:
huntwise.com/s...

[@Anding93]

This video is just what I needed going into this season. It's my 2nd year of finding your videos and applying your tactics, and I'm adding 2 acres of new plots. Thanks u guys! 😊

[@nstoflet1]

Buckwheat is $3/lb in central WI 🤯

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Now that...is gouging!

[@rkillick4984]

Wtf I blame this channel they couldn’t give it away 15 years ago around by me now it’s a $1/lbs. haha

[@williamsimpson5858]

I’m happy my family is traveling to PA in June to visit in-laws. I’m very sad I’ll miss out on your awesome Father’s Day event this year. 😢. Will try for 2023!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Sounds like a nice time but I hope we can see you next year!

[@davekaisler309]

Your "we are starting out in the red" comment is right on the money. Always say i would never want to figure out my cost per pound of the venison in the freezer! Everyone has to have a hobby that they love, and fun is very seldom cheap

[@dennybirchfield]

I put buckwheat out last year and it was down to the dirt in a month 5 does just would not leave ot alone

[@rkillick4984]

When it grows up 3 ft I have had little spots with 10 deer beds in it not sure why. Deer love buckwheat out by me too haha

[@usernamehere6061]

That is why wheat and cereal rye are better cover crops. Or even cowpeas and crimson clover.

[@wijoey710]

Did you ever read the university California Berkeley study, pesticides are bad for the environment but are essential

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I havent...sounds interesting

[@wijoey710]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Tyrone Hayes was the scientist who studied

[@lavernewadel4349]

When is the coffee going to be available

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I'm not sure? Hoping within 2 months or less...

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

Jeff, when you stick your neck out online, some people will hate and troll…. I know you know this but know that most of us appreciate it and wish you well with Camp Kicking Bear. I’m gonna see if I can make it over there next year! I’m still fairly “new” to your channel and have other plans this year. But I hope it’s a huge success! Thanks for everything!

[@johnblackwood345]

The other alternative to tilling in the soil builder is a very expensive no till drill and a roller crimper to terminate the cover crops. Both of which you need a tractor much bigger that a compact tractor….

[@usernamehere6061]

Or you can just broadcast with glyphosate (2 qt in spring/summer or 1.5 qt in fall)... then burn it and re broadcast herbicide and drill. All of this soil building/thatch layer building is bologna. You won't build a fraction of an inch in 10 years of this process. Your turkeys and quail will hate you as well unless you're doing prescribed burns on other parts of your property.

[@dswish1730]

Finally catching up on your videos.May was a very busy month for me.Turkey season is finally over.Great stuff as always.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Great to have you back D 😊

[@George-ro6bw]

True Jeff, if people do it correctly they will have few to no weeds when using multi- culture crops for their spring and fall planting when not exposing bare soil. I like the idea of seeding cereal grain in the corn to prevent erosion. If you use a crimper instead of a cultipacker to dispose of the buckwheat, you most likely will not need to use herbicides. I broadcast all crops and have great results. No erosion on my hill plot.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks George...using the crimper on buckwheat is not needed in any way. The buckwheat lays flat. The glyphosate is to insure rapid decay for full sun exposure...and to kill low level broadleaf within the stand. Very important on both fronts...I see no real use for a crimper.

[@George-ro6bw]

Do you use 2 qts. per ac of glyphosate on the downed buckwheat?

[@dennybirchfield]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 isn't most of the buckwheat broken by the front of whatever you're driving anyway initially at least one I did it with the four-wheeler and nothing else it work just fine

[@dylanthrall5657]

Hey Jeff my property has mainly pines and the area Im building a bedding area at is pine thicket where there not that big from being planted to close together

[@logankrieger2878]

Great video Jeff. Could you make a video explaining soil testing and what fertilizers we need to use, break down how much we need to use per a 50lb bag per day. Thanks keep up the great work.

[@karma8001]

Buy your seed local and they will tell you everything your soil needs. Lime is #1. He's been using plot grow.

[@logankrieger2878]

@@karma8001 Unfortunately they just point at 19-19-19 say that's what you need. Even I know its not. I already use start and boost

[@usernamehere6061]

@@logankrieger2878 Stop paying for plot start and read the soil test results. You're probably going to need pot ash or lime... usually you can tell by whats growing there whether you have a low or high pH...

[@George-ro6bw]

I planted weeds in my garden this year and vegetables came up.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, that's good 👍🏻

[@carsonschulz6498]

Video on deciding to plant corn/process?? I know you love switchgrass but would like to see your recommendations for corn growing…

[@usernamehere6061]

Corn isn't very beneficial to deer. It provides cover in summer and will attract them in fall and winter but corn is not a good source of nutrition for the long term health of the herd.

[@aotec89]

Does anyone spray and plant brassica in august at the same time?

[@brennenbugbee8541]

Will deer use a scrap line 2 years in a row?

[@kurtpearson2793]

They can use them for decades. Some trees will have massive scars form years of use

[@brennenbugbee8541]

@@kurtpearson2793 ok thank you

[@mikebutler5317]

I have seen historic scaring marks on telephone poles next to slashed 3"-5" young trees. Obviously not a youngster. No, we have not caught up with him,...yet.

[@waynegalyen6176]

Hi Jeff, I have a pipe line to plant that has a lot of ferns on it, what's the best way to kill the ferns thank you

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Wayne! They are best killed in May and thru the end of the month that the latest. 1 pint of 2-4D and 2 quarts of Glyphosate combined per acre, wors very well. Also bring soil to proper pH keeps them away. Actually very easy to kill...

[@karlandemilyflatau5509]

Have you considered a crossover episode with Grant Woods to discuss this topic?

[@karlandemilyflatau5509]

I enjoy watching and learning from you both and you have different perspectives on this.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I appreciate that and no I haven't? I come at it more from a herd building, QDM, small parcel and high hunting results oriented perspective that Grant doesn't really specialize in. I just like staying in my own lane 😉

[@travisethridge4062]

you both are great and the differing views of both helps me.

[@RonFleener]

If I use a atv disk, and go light... Is that as bad as tilling it up? Also, I love in Northern Florida in the panhandle here it's pretty sandy.

[@usernamehere6061]

Why are people still talking about controlling weeds in a wildlife foodplot?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Because you are wasting your time, effort snd potential if you do not. True, experienced professionals always will 😉 That's one of those, "you know you are a newbie when"....when someone chooses not to.

[@usernamehere6061]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Not true. Spray it, burn it. Spray regrowth and drill. Its very simple. Any type of weed suppression after that is pointless in an annual foodplot for deer. "Weeds" are beneficial to many types of wildlife... even pigweed produces seed that songbirds will eat. Perennials are different... clover being the main one. Top clip it and spray butyrac & clethodim if cool season grass or thistles come in.

[@bowman8316]

Just got in from 🎣 Thank you for all the great plot advice ! Can't wait to see it all come together 🌾🦌🏹 I hope the walleyes cooperated for you in canada 👍🏼

[@bowman8316]

@Number 1 Fan nice 👍🏼👍🏼

[@kernsy6715]

Hey Jeff, where can you purchase that stuff you use to kill weeds and also the stuff to enhance the soil that you add to water?

[@senditffh7919]

Hey I would like to send you a map of my lease in Kentucky which is 400 acres and 200 of it is field and 200 is woods.

[@jonathansaxon2883]

Hey Jeff I am justing spraying my plot kill it off tell I plant no cover crop I have bunch liverwort in my plot I sprayed with 24d round up don't faze it will my plot still grow with liverwort do know anyway I can get ride of it thanks

[@jeremykane686]

great video i have food plots i cant get a tractor into to lay down buckwheat any suggestions

[@bowman8316]

Snowshoes 👍🏼

[@rkillick4984]

What 3 row planter does that first choice guy have?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I think some kind of custom

[@dswish1730]

I use chemicals.But use a lot less than what it calls for.The price doubled this year.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

The prices are really bad!

[@mikebutler5317]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 SWMich Tractor Supply $129 for 2.5gal. Don't leave home without it.

[@rkillick4984]

Heard lots of of older farmers say not to do this because if that weed doesn’t die and goes to seed it can create a gly resistance and they have had big problems with this. Not sure exact science but I have listened to them and always spray 2 quarts per acre now.

[@isaacketner1893]

Hello Jeff! Thanks for your content. This is my first year creating a food plot and I can't wait to see the results. How do you clean your sprayer out between spraying glyphosate for weeds and spraying plot boost? Thanks!

[@billhickman4826]

I usually just fill mine up twice with clean water and then drain it, also run the pump some to clean it and the hoses out. Never had a problem doing this.

[@usernamehere6061]

First off, do not pay for plot boost... take a soil sample and find out where your nutrients are lacking. Second off, you can pick up tank cleaner at tractor supply or similar big box store. Its usually granular mix it in a cup before adding. 👍

[@kyleburgess3323]

What about sunn hemp as a cover crop? Is it as easy and beneficial as buckwheat?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Kyle! I used it about 10 to 12 years ago...it is not a smother crop, is expensive and in moat areas the deer hammer it.

[@markcharlton9020]

Jeff. Great videos. Do you fertilize for your fall winter crop prior to sowing your buckwheat? Do you fertilize after germination? Thank you.

[@usernamehere6061]

Take a soil sample and find out what nutrients you're actually lacking. Stop spending money year after year on "plot start" and triple 10...

[@markcharlton9020]

I do have soil samples. That wasn't question. The question is do you fertilize/lime into standing buck wheat?

[@usernamehere6061]

@@markcharlton9020 Read what I wrote. You don't need to fertilize if your soil test comes back good.

[@markcharlton9020]

@@usernamehere6061 once again, if your soil test comes back that you need fertilizer, do you spread it right into standing buck wheat?

[@usernamehere6061]

@@markcharlton9020 Yes

[@drewharman1690]

You have to spray without herbicide no food plots!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Amen drew...at least any form of a quality food plot

[@drewharman1690]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 got that right

[@jimmymiller9299]

When is the best time for spraying quineclorac on new frost seeded switchgrass? Mid Michigan area

[@jamessantora6052]

Good morning Jeff, I have already sprayed 24D/ glyphosate, and just a couple days ago sprayed glyphosate again, I still have some small patches of weeds that don’t seem to be dying. Can I count on the buckwheat to shade them out?

[@mainenorthwoodshunter3265]

Hey Jeff, Does your food plot book have information on what kind of fertilizer you need for different things you are planting? If not do any of your videos go into this information?

[@usernamehere6061]

Take a soil sample.

[@johnduellman5760]

Do you use a crop oil or any other sticking agent with your herbicides?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I used to, but found I do not need to. I believe the last time I used some was with Clethodim...buy I would have to make sure on that

[@mikebutler5317]

Loved the detail, spelling out the processes. I'm in Southern Michigan. I have sprayed Simazine early then followed up with Gly and 2-4D in May. Could I play switch for screening in June and will it take this year? Worried about moisture but not weeds.Could spray again and wait to seed in the fall. Thanks

[@usernamehere6061]

Early June would be fine. Mid May is the best time to plant nwsg. The issue with switchgrass is it cannot be sprayed with imazapic like big bluestem and indian grass... therefore its harder to manage. Its usually taken over by johnson grass.... which is fine if you enjoy wasting money on seed.

[@whitetailhunter3193]

What is the purspose of the BuckWheat? Why not just spray and plant in the fall without the work of the BW?

[@mikebutler5317]

Couple reasons; First it uses less chemicals while suppressing weeds and can be a soil erosion aid. Second, it is a great insulator for moisture and seed germination help if rain is infrequent late summer. Lastly, you are aiding your soil base to provide top level generation/composted material for future years. Did I say that right Dillon?

[@rkillick4984]

I still use same amount of gly when using buckwheat. I maybe use more fuel when using buckwheat and rye. But… after years of spray, rototilling, planting. I find that the soil health is better and I have less weeds when I have rye coming up in the spring, spray, plant buckwheat roll with cultipacker, then plant fall plot into buckwheat, cultipack and spray again… my soil is loamy sandy up top with clay in low spots which will dry out into a hard pan dust bowl haha

[@tannersteinborn7487]

Do you think it would be possible to use rm43 instead of glyphosate for weed controol till fall if applied in the early spring

[@TS-nb9ko]

I know one thing for sure I use chemicals for the weeds always.

[@rogerrose4573]

Jeff, I see your food plot fields have some moss in them too. My food plots were a total failure last year because of the moss. Will the Plot start help that remedy the moss issue? TIA Roger

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Roger I am actually not sure? Make sure to spray to kill...the moss alone shouldn't be a problem

[@usernamehere6061]

No the plotstart won't do a damn thing. Take soil samples and find out what you need to add. Also make sure you're not trying to plant in hydric soil.

[@jimandtararaddatz5712]

Great stuff, as usual, Jeff. I’ve asked this before but just making sure. You’re spraying plot start before buckwheat and again before WHS/brassica blend?

[@usernamehere6061]

Do not pay for that stuff... take a soil test and you'll know what inputs you need. Anyone trying to sell you something will tell you to use it as often as they can.

[@joshplog321]

Hey Jeff. I’m seeing quite a few alder buckthorns growing on my property. Would you recommend removing as much as I can? Some does provide some nice cover but just wondering if it’s hurting more than benefiting

[@wisconsinwhitetail9744]

Not every one is going to hire someone for hundreds of dollars to no till plant corn for them. Very few people have a nice no till planter to do it their self. So that why a lot of soybean and corn food plots are tilled. Be realistic like you said in the beginning of the video. We can grow soybeans and corn as good as any no till plantings by just broadcasting soybeans and using a cheap 50+yr old 2 row corn planter.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

For sure! Just depends on the resources...

[@rkillick4984]

I actually have gotten very good soybean germination broadcasting in to buckwheat and rolling a cultipacker over it. It’s is a very realistic way of planting soybeans on a fall plot. Corn is a different story…I wouldn’t even try that so I agree corn isn’t realistic.

[@wisconsinwhitetail9744]

@@rkillick4984 I’ve broadcasted soybeans into rye with really good results. Sometimes it just take them a little longer to get going. I have a couple videos on it.