Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

foods in any area. Fertilizer increases production, as well as protein
and nutrient levels of these plants.
In recent years, some forest products companies and larger landowners
have begun fertilizing pine stands following thinning to increase
the rate of growth of the trees. The fertilizer is usually applied aerially
by helicopter. An added benefit of this fertilization is its effects on the
deer foods found in these stands. Highly preferred food plants, such as
Japanese honeysuckle and greenbriar, respond to the fertilizer with
increased productivity and higher protein levels. This process is expensive,
but if it can be incorporated into a timber management plan, its
benefits to deer can be tremendous.
A more economical way to benefit from fertilizing naturally occurring
deer foods is to apply the fertilizer on a smaller scale. For
example, studies have
shown productivity and
nutrient content of Japanese
honeysuckle, a
highly preferred deer
browse plant, can be significantly
improved by
periodically applying fertilizer
during the growing
season. In a study conducted
by Auburn
University researchers,
protein levels in honeysuckle
were increased
Applying lime and fertilizer to naturally
occurring browse plants, such as Japanese
honeysuckle, can greatly improve the plant’s
productivity and palatability.
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