Property management - general questions
- Thread starter BigZ
- Start date
Gordo
Senior Member
Stick around buddy! We all like following other peoples progress over time. Especially what you got going in terms of 'management'.
This place Gets better and better as you get to know everyone and start to put faces with 'handles'
This place Gets better and better as you get to know everyone and start to put faces with 'handles'
Get a hold of your local farmer's co-op and see what they charge for a soil test. Or look online at places like Biologic for soil testing kits. It's worth the nominal investment if you're unsure of the soil conditions. A strong start with the lime and fertilize will minimize risk and maximize tonnage. Then with a smart planting rotation, you can do a lot of the work by planting well selected blends.
Have you used your county auditor's page to assist you in making a map? With an overhead view from Google Earth, you can really get a sense of how your property fits in to the larger puzzle. We tend to manage our own property like it's in a bubble. Sometimes what needs done in relation to what I call the "square", which is the 640 acre square mile our farm would be in the center of, is not what is necessarily what we want to do. Knowing how our properties fit in to the neighborhood is also important when developing a management plan. I realize you're not trying to be the next Mark Drury, but I imagine you still want to make smart choices and understanding more than just your property is an important part of this process.
Have you used your county auditor's page to assist you in making a map? With an overhead view from Google Earth, you can really get a sense of how your property fits in to the larger puzzle. We tend to manage our own property like it's in a bubble. Sometimes what needs done in relation to what I call the "square", which is the 640 acre square mile our farm would be in the center of, is not what is necessarily what we want to do. Knowing how our properties fit in to the neighborhood is also important when developing a management plan. I realize you're not trying to be the next Mark Drury, but I imagine you still want to make smart choices and understanding more than just your property is an important part of this process.
cspot
Member
Here is an example of the results from Biologic. They are cheap and a little easier to read than sending to some places. https://www.plantbiologic.com/t-soil.aspx
We have had the soil tested and the results have shown low nitrogen. We actually have a skid of lime at the cabin. I think food plots might be a ways down the road. As much as I want them to be done asap.
Alot of people get on the forum wanting to know answers to questions, get advice, or show off a buck, and then disappear.
Gordo
Senior Member
It's 100 acres...walk to the stands. That'll help keep deer on your land.
Everyone HAS to be on board with this. It isn't worth the effort otherwise.
Everyone HAS to be on board with this. It isn't worth the effort otherwise.
at1010
*Supporting Member*
- 5,312
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BigZ,
I think with your plots you are making them much harder then they have to be.
1. A soil test wouldn't typically show you nitrogen levels. They would show the information that CSPOT provided. They might suggesting a high nitrogen fertilizer, this however is all dependent on what you want to plant.
2. Soybeans - I would not start with this a first time plot. This plot does NOT need nitrogen. Soybeans are a legume and will fix nitrogen on their own into the soil. However, without a drill it can be complicated.
3. Lime would be used to raise your PH. However, anywhere in Ohio I would be shocked for you to have a plot that has such low PH you can't grow something.
4. You mentioned you have a bush hog. I would just plan a mix of clovers, keep them mowed when they go to head over summer. Then in fall top dress the plot with some oats, rye GRAIN, winter wheat, and brassicas. Do this before a rain.
I think the driving the atv to a stand is crazy, I would highly suggest walking to them as well. I hope this makes some sense.
I think with your plots you are making them much harder then they have to be.
1. A soil test wouldn't typically show you nitrogen levels. They would show the information that CSPOT provided. They might suggesting a high nitrogen fertilizer, this however is all dependent on what you want to plant.
2. Soybeans - I would not start with this a first time plot. This plot does NOT need nitrogen. Soybeans are a legume and will fix nitrogen on their own into the soil. However, without a drill it can be complicated.
3. Lime would be used to raise your PH. However, anywhere in Ohio I would be shocked for you to have a plot that has such low PH you can't grow something.
4. You mentioned you have a bush hog. I would just plan a mix of clovers, keep them mowed when they go to head over summer. Then in fall top dress the plot with some oats, rye GRAIN, winter wheat, and brassicas. Do this before a rain.
I think the driving the atv to a stand is crazy, I would highly suggest walking to them as well. I hope this makes some sense.
cspot
Member
A couple other random thoughts.
When it comes to food plots vs feeders. This was my first year with feeders in Ohio as we are from PA where they are illegal. Feeders are more expensive and more work than putting in most food plots especially if you have a tractor. Also food plots get more daylight use in my opinion. Food Plots take a while to get the soil right, so I would throw some lime on this winter and then throw some clover down in Feb to frost seed. I did my first frost seed this past year and was shocked at how good of results that I got from it. It only took about 5 minutes with a hand seeder. You could also work the ground in the spring since you have a tractor.
Maybe I missed it but how far away are you from the property? HOw much time can you spend there during a year. If you only can make it a couple of times a year for a weekend then that really influences what you can get done.
When it comes to food plots vs feeders. This was my first year with feeders in Ohio as we are from PA where they are illegal. Feeders are more expensive and more work than putting in most food plots especially if you have a tractor. Also food plots get more daylight use in my opinion. Food Plots take a while to get the soil right, so I would throw some lime on this winter and then throw some clover down in Feb to frost seed. I did my first frost seed this past year and was shocked at how good of results that I got from it. It only took about 5 minutes with a hand seeder. You could also work the ground in the spring since you have a tractor.
Maybe I missed it but how far away are you from the property? HOw much time can you spend there during a year. If you only can make it a couple of times a year for a weekend then that really influences what you can get done.
cspot
Member
I see AT was typing a similar post to mine. Clover is a legume as well so it fixes nitrogen. I have grown ladino clover in some pretty poor soil with decent results. The deer still likes it. It just doesn't get the tonnage results that a good soil does. AT's recommendations is what I would do for the plots.
Soybeans are difficult as the deer will hit them hard as they come up often not allowing them to grow at all unless you put in large amounts or fence. I had to electric fence mine this past year in PA for a couple months.
Soybeans are difficult as the deer will hit them hard as they come up often not allowing them to grow at all unless you put in large amounts or fence. I had to electric fence mine this past year in PA for a couple months.
I don't drive the atv and park it beside the stand! We do walk to the stands and park the quads I'd guess 60 plus yards away. Quads have been the main source of transportation on this land for many years. Deer do not even run during the summer months while the kids are rifling around on the property.
Keep in mind, yes I am "part of the family" and have been blessed enough to be invited to hunt there, so making simple yet impactful changes are what I'm looking to do myself. I will make the suggestions for food plots and more long term changes to him but ultimately it's up to him what drastic measures he is willing to take. Yall have given me lots of ideas and I'm really excited to see what we decide to do.
Keep in mind, yes I am "part of the family" and have been blessed enough to be invited to hunt there, so making simple yet impactful changes are what I'm looking to do myself. I will make the suggestions for food plots and more long term changes to him but ultimately it's up to him what drastic measures he is willing to take. Yall have given me lots of ideas and I'm really excited to see what we decide to do.
cspot
Member
Ok. Parking 60 yards away is way too close. Deer can smell quads a good ways. Trust me. I have tried it before when running late for an evening hunt and they will bust that ATV. We use them around here every day, but they know what is up. Especially a mature deer. They are used to quads driving thru, but when parked they know humans are usually around. I usually try to park at least 200 yards away. Not yelling at you, but that is an issue of why you aren't seeing deer. One method that we have used if available is to "drop off" someone at the stand and then the driver returns to the house with the ATV. This is quite effective in areas where deer are used to ATV's.
Your last paragraph is important as I was under the impression that this was property you owned with some buddies that you had complete control over. Yes if you are an invited guest then you need to be respectful of the other's wishes and can simply just offer suggestions.
Your last paragraph is important as I was under the impression that this was property you owned with some buddies that you had complete control over. Yes if you are an invited guest then you need to be respectful of the other's wishes and can simply just offer suggestions.