Explore the world of chicory food plots, where nature meets nourishment, providing a haven for wildlife and an advantage for hunters. Discover the benefits of this versatile plant, its cultivation secrets, and its role in supporting thriving ecosystems and successful hunting expeditions.
Delve into the fascinating world of chicory food plots, where nature meets nourishment, providing a haven for wildlife and an advantage for hunters. Discover the benefits of this versatile plant, its cultivation secrets, and its role in supporting thriving ecosystems and successful hunting expeditions.
Plant Information
Chicory ( Cichorium intybus) is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has since been introduced to North America, where it is now widely cultivated.
Chicory is a highly nutritious plant that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of fiber. Chicory is a popular food source for wildlife, and it is often planted in food plots to attract deer, turkey, and other animals.
Cultivation Requirements
Chicory is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Chicory can be planted in full sun or partial shade, but it will produce the most forage in full sun.
Chicory can be planted from seed or from transplants. If you are planting from seed, sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil. The seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days.
Food Plot Establishment
Establishing a successful chicory food plot requires careful consideration of soil conditions, planting time, and seeding rate. Additionally, using a cover crop or companion planting can enhance the overall productivity and resilience of the plot.
Soil Conditions
Chicory prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be loose and friable, with a good organic matter content. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils or areas with poor drainage.
Planting Time
Chicory can be planted in the spring or fall. In the spring, plant as soon as the soil can be worked. In the fall, plant 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. This will give the plants time to establish a strong root system before winter.
Seeding Rate
The recommended seeding rate for chicory is 10-15 pounds per acre. When planting in rows, space the rows 18-24 inches apart. When broadcasting, distribute the seed evenly over the prepared seedbed.
Cover Crops and Companion Planting
Using a cover crop or companion planting with chicory can provide several benefits. Cover crops, such as oats or rye, can help suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and provide additional forage for wildlife. Companion planting with legumes, such as clover or alfalfa, can fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the chicory plants.
Management Practices
Maintaining a healthy chicory food plot requires proper management practices, including weed control, fertilization, mowing, and grazing. These practices promote plant growth, prevent competition, and ensure optimal nutrition for wildlife.
Weed Control
Weeds compete with chicory for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Regular weed control is essential to prevent infestation and maintain a productive food plot. Mechanical weed control methods include mowing, tilling, or disking. Herbicides can also be used to selectively control specific weeds while preserving chicory plants.
Fertilization
Chicory benefits from balanced fertilization. Soil testing can determine specific nutrient deficiencies and guide fertilizer application rates. Generally, chicory requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium enhances overall plant health.
Mowing and Grazing, Chicory food plot
Mowing or grazing the chicory plot encourages new growth and prevents plants from becoming too tall and woody. Mowing should be done at a height of 6-8 inches, and grazing should be managed to avoid overgrazing. These practices stimulate tillering, resulting in denser and more productive chicory stands.
Wildlife Utilization
Chicory food plots are a valuable asset to wildlife managers seeking to enhance habitat and support healthy wildlife populations. These plots attract a wide range of wildlife species due to the nutritional value and palatability of chicory.
Chicory is a highly nutritious forage that provides essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The leaves and stems are rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Chicory is also a good source of fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Deer
Deer are one of the primary species that benefit from chicory food plots. Chicory is a highly palatable forage that deer will readily consume. The high nutritional value of chicory helps deer maintain healthy body weight and antler growth. Chicory also provides deer with essential vitamins and minerals that are not always available in their natural diet.
Turkey
Turkeys are another species that benefits from chicory food plots. Turkeys will consume both the leaves and seeds of chicory. The high protein content of chicory is essential for turkey growth and development. Chicory also provides turkeys with important vitamins and minerals that support their immune system and overall health.
Other Wildlife
In addition to deer and turkey, chicory food plots can also attract a variety of other wildlife species, including rabbits, squirrels, and songbirds. These species will all benefit from the nutritional value of chicory, and they will also help to disperse chicory seeds throughout the area.
Benefits for Hunters: Chicory Food Plot
Incorporating chicory food plots into hunting strategies offers several advantages. Its exceptional nutritional value and unique characteristics make it a valuable asset for hunters seeking to attract and hold wildlife, ultimately enhancing their hunting experiences.
Chicory’s deep taproot system allows it to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers, making it a resilient food source even during drought conditions. This extended root system also improves soil structure and aeration, benefiting other plants in the food plot.
Increased Wildlife Attraction
Chicory’s bitter flavor and high inulin content appeal to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, elk, turkey, and rabbits. Its ability to withstand grazing pressure and provide nutrition throughout the year makes it an ideal food source for these animals.
Improved Hunting Opportunities
By establishing chicory food plots in strategic locations, hunters can create areas where wildlife is more likely to congregate. This increased concentration of animals provides hunters with better opportunities for successful harvests.
Enhanced Visibility
Chicory’s upright growth habit and vibrant blue flowers make it highly visible in the field, allowing hunters to easily spot wildlife. This improved visibility can be especially advantageous during low-light conditions or in dense vegetation.
Q&A
What are the ideal soil conditions for establishing a chicory food plot?
Chicory thrives in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
When is the best time to plant chicory?
Plant chicory in the spring or fall, when soil temperatures are between 50-60°F.
What is the recommended seeding rate for a chicory food plot?
Sow chicory seeds at a rate of 10-15 lbs per acre.
What types of wildlife are attracted to chicory food plots?
Chicory food plots attract a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, rabbits, and quail.
What are the nutritional benefits of chicory for wildlife?
Chicory is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals, providing essential nutrients for wildlife.
