2020 “modified buffalo” fall plot

[eyedoc]

Thanks. I think overcrowding was my issue last yr too. Looked awesome at first and then kind of fizzled.

[gingib]

Originally Posted by Low Fence

Drilling would certainly be best. But if you have enough thatch to cover it will certainly work great. Bigger seeds have more stored energy and will sprout with water very quick (3-5 days). So if going that route don’t spread too soon and burn up all your thatch before the seeds get started

Theoretically, since I didn't disk and turn the ground over and sprayed and grain drilled my seed for my winter plot, summer weeds should not be a huge issue right? I know there will be some, but not a major thing I wouldnt expect

Spraying sucks for me equipment wise. So I am thinking of doing this and curious your thoughts:

1. Grain drill/broadcast my beans in April, then Shred my current plot very low to build up thatch and cover the seed more. I am leaning towards this as they will still feed on the current plot in april and give my beans a chance to grow.

[Low Fence]

That should work well. And yes, in theory your weeds should be far less

[EastTexun]

Originally Posted by Low Fence

That should work well. And yes, in theory your weeds should be far less

Theoretically is the key. I would plan to have some pretty significant weed pressure either way, as the seed bank is rich unless you have done a pretty robust spraying regimen.

[gingib]

Originally Posted by EastTexun

Theoretically is the key. I would plan to have some pretty significant weed pressure either way, as the seed bank is rich unless you have done a pretty robust spraying regimen.

Ultimately, unless I freshly disk it right before or spray it I will still have weeds.

I am just weighing the benefits of building the thatch layer and keeping food for them to eat while the beans sprout and grow.

[EastTexun]

You can break the weed cycle, but it takes dedication and consistency. For example, I ended up with a REALLY bad infestation of grass burrs in 2 of my food plots. It was so bad I couldn't let the dog out of the side by side because she would make it 5 yards and stop with loaded up paws. I sprayed a grass specific herbicide 4x last year beginning in the spring and by the late summer I was not getting any new germination following a rain. I expect I will have to do something similar this year too, but likely not as frequently or on as much ground. After each subsequent application it was apparent I was not getting nearly the volunteers.

[armadillophil]

Lowfence, are you using a grain drill or a no till drill?

[Low Fence]

I call it a no till...

Cuts row, drops seed, packer wheel behind it

[gingib]

WHen is the best time to plant a summer plot of lablab and soybeans? I will obviously monitor and do it before a big rain. But if this end of March, early April?

[Low Fence]

What area?

[gingib]

Originally Posted by Low Fence

What area?

Central Texas. Also got a place in North Texas, but we got someone else to plant that

[gingib]

IS Easter weekend too early to plant a summer plot of lablab and soybeans in Central Tx?

Still struggling with what method I want to do.

I have a nice, tall winter plot now and can't decide if I want to spray, grain drill then shred or grain drill then shred the plot real low and keep what I have growing until natural die off?