Biologic's Deer Vetch Plus food plot is a warm-season mixture that combines highly palatable, protein rich Aeschynomene (kidney-shaped seed), also known as Deer Vetch, and Alyce clover (pill-shaped seed). This mixture is designed to provide forage from the late spring months until the first hard frost. This blend is exceptionally browse-tolerant and can withstand high deer densities, making it an excellent choice for smaller acreage plots. It also "fixes" an incredible amount of free Nitrogen that will be available for your following food plot crop.
Combination of two warm-season legumes:
•Aeschynomene is extremely browse-tolerant and responds to heavy browse by branching out and producing new growth.
•Alyce Clover is attractive to deer and also benefits upland species such as turkey and quail. Though it's called a clover, it is not a true clover but rather a warm-season legume.
Together, this blend is durable and maintains high protein levels all during the growing season until the first frost. Deer Vetch Plus can also fix 100+ lbs. of Nitrogen per acre, which can greatly reduce or eliminate the need to add additional Nitrogen fertilization to the following cool-season food plot.
How to plant Deer Vetch Plus: It is best planted by spreading on a well-prepared seedbed at 20 lbs. per acre, then using a cultipacker to cover the seed. Broadcasting on a well-prepared seedbed just prior to rain also produces an excellent stand — the rain serves to bury the seed the appropriate depth (1/4 inch) and ensures adequate soil moisture for germination. Disking is not a recommended method of covering the seed as it would bury the seed too deep for germination.
When to Plant: in the south, plant Deer Vetch Plus in mid spring to early summer. Or once soil temperature reach 60°F or warmer.
Supported Species: Deer, turkey, and quail.
Northern Zone: Late spring to early summer
Transitional Zone: Spring through early summer
Southern Zone: Mid-spring through summer
Coverage: 20 lb per acre
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch or less
Amount of Sunlight: 8 or more hours of direct sunlight
Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
Fertilizer: Maintain pH of 5.5 to 6.0. Apply Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizer according to soil test recommendations. Deer Vetch Plus does not need Nitrogen fertilizer
Nutritional Value: 18%-30% protein
Primary Usage: Warm-season blend designed to provide high-protein nutrition during late spring to summer, even under heavy browsing pressures
Soil Type: Loam, sandy loam, and moderately wet bottomland soils. Performs well in low-lying areas with good soil moisture.