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Couple questions about the release process (food plots)

Posted on 3/19/24 at 8:02 pm
Posted by PT24-7
Member since Jul 2013
4378 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 8:02 pm
I’m looking at doing food plots this year and getting into some kind of system. All in all it will be about 10-12 acres.

I’ve been tilling, broadcasting, and Culti packing for years. I’ve recently been looking into the release process. However, one part doesn’t make sense to me….

If crimping lays down the old growth to make a mat that provides mulch, and protects against weeds then how does the sun get to the seeds you want to grow? Wouldn’t the same mulch that blocks the sun from weeds also block it from the planted seeds?

Trying to wrap my head around what I want to do. The release process sounds great in that it would save time and get away from fertilizer and herbacides. I’m just wanting to figure it out before making that kind of investment. Would appreciate any and all input. Tia
Posted by turkish
Member since Aug 2016
1786 posts
Posted on 3/19/24 at 9:01 pm to
There can be too much of a mat, just like you can plant seeds too deep.

Also, do it for the time savings. I don’t know how guaranteed the ‘fewer inputs’ part is.
This post was edited on 3/19/24 at 9:02 pm
Posted by Piebald Panther
Member since Aug 2020
479 posts
Posted on 3/20/24 at 8:02 am to
Sun is not as important as soil temperature for germination. When you plant with the no till drill after it creates the small space in the mat to allow the planted seed to come though and blocks the weeds in the periphery.

I think there are easier/less expensive ways to get organic material into the soil. Turnips and daikons disced into the ground after maturity can provide some good material.

I don’t worry about spraying plots that I can get a disc to. Discing and planting makes a good enough plot for wildlife.

With that said if I had the means to get a no till drill I would do it. To me the biggest benefit is the soil moisture retainment when planting.

Posted by Jack Daniel
In the bottle
Member since Feb 2013
25552 posts
Posted on 3/20/24 at 10:35 am to
quote:

If crimping lays down the old growth to make a mat that provides mulch, and protects against weeds then how does the sun get to the seeds you want to grow?

The same way sun gets to a seed that’s been covered with soil
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