Do you fertilize you clover food plots?? When and with what?

[BLACKJACK]

Just curious if you fertilize your clover food plots?? Is it worth the time and $$$$? My plots are looking pretty good right now but I know that by mid to late Oct the deer will have them mowed down, was wondering if fertilizer would help.

Your thoughts?

[Mark Christianson]

I asked the same question at our local coop, and on their recommendation I put down triple 19 with sulfur.

I dont know if its the fertilizer or a little rain, or the combinaiton of both, but I put it on 2 weeks ago and the clover looks terrific.

[PerchJerker]

I fertilize my clover in spring and late summer but try to go with low to no nitrogen in the fertilizer (clover doesn't need nitrogen after it's established, then the nitrogrn will just be feeding the weeds). I usually get something like 5-14-23 from the local coop and usually put down 200-400 lbs per acre.

[jltimm]

Great answer PerchJerker. I just watched a food plot dvd and they said the exact same thing. No nitrogen as that just feeds the weeds.Also try to keep your clover at a 8-10" heights unless the deer do it for ya!

[BLACKJACK]

Thanks guys!! Guess I better make a call up to Elrosa and see what they've got!! Another 'to-do' for the weekend!!

[tonkapat]

if you like to fish in algae bloom lakes and pollute the water go on and pour a whole bunch on for no reason just like the rest of the world

[Mark Christianson]

Give us some scientific fact that the fertilizer does no good Pat, and I would be happy to change my plot management.

If its a feelgood reason, then we're not listening.

[WaveWacker]

There is proof that excess nutrients from fertilizers, namely phosphorous, contribute to algae growth or "green" lakes. However, with this said it all depends on the situation.

Just putting fertilizer down on the ground doesn't mean that it will automatically "pollute" our lakes/waters. I understand that not using any at all is a definate way of making sure there isn't any excess nutrient runoff, but what sort of cover is on the fields when it is applies? What soils are they? Is there a buffer that any runoff would have to go through before entering water? Things of this nature need to be considered before thinking that fertilizer will automatically cause pollution.

[Mark Christianson]

Exactly.

I was more wondering about this statement:

"pour a whole bunch on for no reason".

I dont know where "no reason" comes from.

[southwest]

Sounds like you read more than have actual Knowledge of the use of fertilizer. Most is worked into the soil and run off if any is limited. Most all farmers including organic use fertilizer, might be manure but still is fertilizer. If none was used

food prices would be more than doubled what they are now, due

to poor yield. Its needed, maybe not on lawns, but for food and

feed purposes its greatly needed.

[PerchJerker]

southwest --- you make a lot of great points, thanks for making that post.