Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama
Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama
Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama
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COWPEAS<br />
Planting Date: May 1 - July 15<br />
Seeding Rate a : 40-90 b pounds per acre (broadcasted), 15-30 b<br />
pounds per acre (drilled)<br />
Planting Depth: 1-inch<br />
Comments: Cowpeas are highly nutritious (high-protein), highly productive,<br />
and highly preferred by deer. They cannot handle heavy browsing,<br />
so larger fields should be planted to maximize production. Cowpeas grow<br />
on a variety of sites, but do best when planted on well-drained fertile sites.<br />
They can be planted with companion plants, such as grain sorghum,<br />
Aeschynomene, or alyce clover. Numerous varieties of cowpeas are available,<br />
including both bush and climbing/trailing varieties. Varieties<br />
commonly planted for deer include combine, iron clay, Catjang, Tory, and<br />
Wilcox.<br />
GRAIN SORGHUM<br />
Planting Date: April 15 - June 30<br />
Seeding Rate a : 15-20 pounds per acre (broadcasted), 8-12 pounds<br />
per acre (drilled)<br />
Planting Depth: 1/2 to 1-inch<br />
Comments: Grain sorghum is a warm-season grain that will grow in<br />
a wide variety of soils. Although deer will often consume the plant<br />
during early growth and the seed heads once they mature, sorghum is<br />
most valuable as a support crop for more nutritious deer forages, such<br />
as Aeschynomene, alyce clover, and cowpeas. <strong>In</strong> addition, grain sorghum<br />
produces an abundance of seeds that are readily consumed by<br />
doves, quail, and turkey.<br />
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