introduction to cropland management · lower southern michigan was most - ly farmers. farmland...

About half of the earth's landsurface has been convertedto agriculture use. In some

areas, including parts of Michigan,the figure is closer to 90 percent.The change of land to agricultureuse began with the earliest of Euro-American settlers. After they real-ized the depth and richness of theprairie and savanna soils, theseareas were cleared for agriculture,leaving only traces of the originalplant community. Farming alsooccurred on cleared forest areas.Eventually some of these forestareas did begin to regenerate butwere very different from earlierforests.

In 1850, the population withinlower southern Michigan was most-ly farmers. Farmland acres inMichigan peaked at 19 million in1940. Since then, agricultural landhas decreased to 10½ million acres. This decline is due to theincrease in urban development andthe loss of family farming.Nevertheless, Michigan is a keyagricultural state, currently leadingthe nation in the production of tartcherries, blueberries, cucumbers,and dry navy, black, and cranberrybeans.

Family farming for subsistencehas given way to a modern mixedagriculture/industrial buisiness. Asa result, opportunities for maintain-ing or creating wildlife habitatoccur mostly on those former farm-land acres taken out of production.In an effort to help keep farmers

solvent by reducing crop produc-tion and raising crop prices, theU.S. Department of Agriculture hascreated various programs whichpay landowners to set land aside--to keep it out of production. Thecurrent federal conservation pro-grams attempt to reduce erosion bykeeping soil in place, limiting theuse of pesticides and fertilizers,maintaining ground and surfacewater quality, and recommendingwildlife-friendly plantings.

About three percent of thestate's agricultural land, or some250,000 acres, is currently enrolledin the Conservation ReserveProgram (CRP), which is adminis-tered by the United States Dept. ofAgriculture, Farm Service Agency(FSA) through their county offices.Land typically eligible for enroll-ment includes croplands suscepti-ble to erosion that fall within con-servation priority areas. Cost sharemoney is often available to estab-lish shelterbelts, shallow wetlands,and filter strips of grass or trees.

Information is available from USDAoffices, Conservation Districtoffices, and Michigan StateUniversity Extension offices.

Conventional VersusConservation Tillage

Conventional crop produc-tion practices that include mold-board plowing affect wildlife in sev-eral ways. First, they reduce andisolate the amount of natural habi-tat so that all that remains in heav-ily farmed areas are scattered rem-nant patches, wet depressions, andlinear strips in a sea of cropland.Second, few native plants and ani-mals adapt to, or can tolerate,heavily managed croplands. Third,the practices leave little food orshelter for wildlife during the wintermonths. The greatest impact towildlife is the practice of fall plow-ing, which is often used with con-ventional tillage.

Conservation tillage is abroad term referring to severaltillage methods that maintain cropresidue (stubble or other plants) onthe field surface. These tillagemethods reduce wind and watererosion, conserve soil moisture,and increase organic matter, which

INTRODUCTION TO

CROPLAND MANAGEMENT

PART VI: Cropland Management

kestrel

result in better soil structure.Studies have shown that conserva-tion-tillage fields can have yieldsthat equal or exceed conventional-tillage fields, and the practice cutsproduction costs considerably. Theapproach varies from "minimumtillage," where about 20 percent ofthe previous year's crop residue isleft, to "no till", where at least 90percent of the previous year's cropresidue remains on the soil surface.Although not as productive forwildlife as unfarmed habitat in var-ious stages of succession, conser-vation tillage is far superior thanconventional tillage.

Conservation tillage causes lesscompaction of the soil, (compactionoccurs when heavy equipment andimplements cross the field over andover), which has a positive effecton the soil, allowing water to per-culate into the soil instead of caus-ing erosion and washing pesticidesand fertilizers into the surfacewater. The soil’s better permeabili-ty also favors soil invertebrates.Invertebrates account for 90 to 95percent of all animal species, andplay a critical role in soil health.Growers need insects, spiders,worms, snails, and nematodesbecause the invertebrates act asdecomposers, pollinators, soil con-ditioners, food sources for higherorganisms, and control agents for

other organisms, which may beharmful.

Conservation tillage overall isbetter for wildlife than conventionaltillage. Crop residues serve asmulch, safeguarding soil from windand water erosion while conservingsoil moisture. The crop residuesfurnish nutrients, shelter, andmicro-climates that soil organismsneed. Pheasants, grasshoppersparrows, and meadowlarks willnest in no-tilled fields whereresidue is sufficient. Migratingwaterfowl, shorebirds, and song-birds such as snow buntings,Lapland longspurs, and commonredpolls--along with pheasants,quail, and other winter residents--rely on waste corn, soybeans, othergrains, and weed seeds for food.Vesper sparrows show a clear pref-erence in spring and summer forforaging in fields with the mostcrop residue, probably because oneof their favorite foods--spiders--livein the residues. Cover is alsoincreased and song perches areelevated.

Large, open fields with no nat-ural cover only attract a few birdspecies such as the brown-headedcowbird, horned lark, Vesper spar-row, and killdeer. Similarly, fewmammals use these open fields,such as deer and white-footedmice, voles, and ground squirrels.Many more species--and as manyas five times more birds--prefer theedge over the middle of such clearfields. Consequently, as field sizeincreases, the proportion of fieldedge decreases and so does theaverage abundance of birds perfield. Road-to-road farming opera-tions that remove old fields, woodycover, and edge habitats can leadto a huge decline in the numberand kinds of wildlife.

Other Conservation-minded FarmingPractices

Most wildlife depend on a num-ber of habitat types for food andcover. Greater wildlife abundanceand diversity are possible throughmanagement of the entire ecosys-tem rather than management of anindividual area or species. For thegreatest impact, consider the totalpicture--how croplands, forests,and wetlands can provide good liv-ing conditions to a variety ofwildlife. If some food and covertypes are available on nearbyareas, best results may be achievedby providing an element of thehabitat that is missing. Managementis also more effective when neigh-boring lands are involved. Greatervarieties of food and cover willresult in more abundant wildlife.Here are several practices to con-sider. In addition, the Cropfieldschapter will have additional infor-mation.

Crop rotation is a time-hon-ored farming practice that reducesplant diseases and increases soilnutrients and yields. When alfalfa,clover and other legumes areworked into the rotation, valuablenitrogen is produced, along withinsects and nesting cover forwildlife.

Organic farming practicesthat rely on composting andmanuring of fields may helpimprove the compatibility between

red-winged blackbird

crop and animal production prac-tices and wildlife conservation.Organic farmers usually use lessconventional tillage, avoid manu-factured fertilizers and pesticides,have greater crop diversifica-tion, rely on crop rotations,and cultivate smaller fields.

Field borders, shelter-belts, and fencerowsbetween fields and aroundthe perimeter of fields canhelp wildlife if the borderscontain grasses, legumes,and fruit-bearing shrubs. Themore diversity, the greaterthe attraction to more wildlifespecies. Wider is always better. Ata minimum, borders should be atleast 30 feet wide. Such linear bor-ders are important for wildlifebecause they provide edge coverand travel lanes (corridors)between habitats. For more infor-mation see the chapter in this sec-tion on Field Borders andCorridors.

Hayfields will provide desir-able plants used by livestock andpreferred by wildlife. Lack of vigor-ous growth and an increasingamount of undesirable plantspecies that invade hayfields maybe signs of low fertility, low pH, anda need for replanting. Burning,

mowing, and grazing are threecommon practices to rejuvenatehayfields and retard natural succes-sion. Burning and mowing shouldbe done before April 15 or after

July 15, so nesting wildlifewill be spared. Separat-ingpastures into units and graz-ing them alternately willprevent over-use by live-stock and allow wildlife tonest undisturbed in unusedunits. Grass areas next toponds and other wetlands,where wildlife naturally con-gregate, should be fencedoff to protect water quality

and nesting wildlife. A minimum of100 feet of perimeter protection isrecommended.

Hayfields can be establishedwith either native or introducedgrasses and legumes. Lands thathave been taken out of productionare often planted with cool seasongrasses such as timothy or orchardgrass, or legumes like ladino andsweet clover. Native, warm seasongrasses--switchgrass, big bluestemand Indiangrass--have their great-est growth in mid-summer and givelandowners an option to continual-ly mowing or grazing cool-seasongrasses and legumes. Planting afield of cool season and anotherwith warm season grasses provides

different heightsand densities,which wildlife findattractive. Referto the Hayfieldchapter in thissection for moreinformation

Other areassuch as field cor-ners, rocky andlow-yield fields,eroded gullies,rights-of-way, and

old orchards can be planted with amixture of trees, shrubs, and grass-es. Orchard fruit is a delicacy formany wildlife species. Ripe applesand pears attract grouse, quail,rabbits, raccoons, foxes, opossums,squirrels, skunks, and deer.Wherever fruit trees are found,along fencerows, next to farmbuildings and homesteads, in oldorchards, they become centers ofactivity for wildlife in fall and winter.It is important to leave some oldtrees, which will provide cavities fora variety of wildlife. A few rows ofgrain next to brushy areas increas-es their value during winter. Themanagement of other areas willvary depending on what is current-ly there.

In summary, even though yourgoal may be financial, studies indi-cate that new crop managementmethods increase your overheadwhile helping wildlife. Indeed, crop-land management can be both ben-eficial to the landowner and towildlife. The following chapters inthis section explain a variety ofmanagement options that do justthat.

alfalfa

fencerow

INTRODUCTION

Private Land Partnerships: This partnership was formed between both privateand public organizations in order to address private lands wildlife issues. Individuals shareresources, information, and expertise. This landowner’s guide has been a combined effortbetween these groups working towards one goal: Natural Resources Education. We hope thismanual provides you with the knowledge and the motivation to make positive changes for ourenvironment.

FOR ADDITIONALCHAPTERS CONTACT:Michigan UnitedConservation ClubsPO Box 30235Lansing, MI 48909517/371-1041

INTRODUCTION

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Of all the private lands in theUnited States, 27 percent isin cultivated cropland, which

produces an enormous variety ofgrains, fruits, vegetables, and otherproducts. In Michigan, about 101/2 million acres, or some 30 per-cent of the state's land base, isactive farmland. In a typical har-vest year an average of seven mil-lion of these acres yield nearly 25million tons of production.

Because of its size and scope,farming impacts wildlife perhapsmore than any other land-use prac-tice. The trend to fewer, larger,more intensively managed farmsover the past several decades hasbeen detrimental to many wildlifespecies. Although farm crops areeaten by deer, rabbits, pheasants,waterfowl, and many kinds of song-birds, many farming practices frag-ment good wildlife habitat or createopen habitats used by relatively

few species. Increased reliance onpesticides and herbicides, removingfencerows to create bigger fields,fall plowing, and early and late cut-ting of hayfields are farming meth-ods that negatively impact wildlife.It is difficult for farmers to makesacrifices for wildlife if the sacrificesmean reduced income. However,there are some management tech-niques that cost nothing orincrease profits, and yet are bene-ficial to wildlife as well as to thelandowner and community.Farmland that contains good habi-tat will support a broad mix ofwildlife, which, in turn, will providea continuing source of beauty,inspiration, and recreation.

Four types of habitat exist inmost farmland: open croplandareas, farmstead and wooded sites,haylands, and wetlands. Resultshave shown that rowcrop areas ofcorn and soybeans support only

two or threenesting bird speciesand a total of only up to 88birds per 100 acres. Pasture andhaylands support seven to 11 nest-ing species and a total of up to 386birds per 100 acres. Marshlandsupports 13 nesting bird speciesand up to 702 birds per 100 acres.Croplands, then, are the biggestchallenge for wildlife, and thisbrochure offers cropland manage-ment considerations that will lessennegative impacts.

Conservation Tillage Conventional crop produc-

tion practices that include mold-board plowing and total harvestingreduce and isolate native habitats.Unless it is plowed under, aboutthree percent of a grain crop is lefton the ground for wildlife. Forexample, in an area that produces100 bushels of corn per acre, therewould be three bushels available towildlife. However, the practice offall plowing, which is often usedwith conventional tillage, turns thisavailable food resource under theground reducing the food availableto wildlife at this time of the year.

Conservation tillage is abroad term referring to severaltillage methods that maintain cropresidue (stubble and other plants)

CROP FIELDS


songsparrow

on the field surface. These tillagemethods are intended to controlerosion, reduce compaction, con-serve moisture, and increaseorganic matter, which result in bet-ter soil conditions. Studies showthat conservation-tillage fields cutproduction costs overall and pro-vide yields that approach equal orexceed conventional-tillage fields.For example, one study showedthat conventionally tilled compact-ed soil yielded only 90 bushels peracre of corn, compared to conser-vation tilled uncompacted soilyields of over 120 bushels peracre.

The conservation approachvaries from "minimum tillage,"where about 20 percent of the pre-vious year's crop residue is left, to"no till", where at least 90 percentof the previous year's crop remainson the soil surface. Although notas good as native wildlife habitat invarious stages of plant succession,conservation tillage is far superiorto conventional tillage for wildlife.A Michigan study, for example,showed that fields of wheat stub-ble contained an average of 212pounds per acre of weed seed onthe stem in October. When notplowed, such fields provide foodfor wildlife all winter and the fol-lowing spring. U.S. Department ofAgriculature, Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS)

offices haved e t a i l e dguidelines onhow, when,and where toplant cropsusing conser-vation tillagemethods.

Crop RotationCrop rotation is a time-hon-

ored farming practice that reduces

plant diseases increases soil nutri-ents and increase yields. Whenalfalfa, clover, and other legumesare worked into the rotation, valu-able nitrogen is produced, weedsare more easily controlled, com-paction problems decrease, andinsect food and nesting cover areincreased for wildlife. It has beenshown in previous studies that thehighest yields of corn occurredwhen corn planting followed agrass-legume meadow. In addi-tion, plowing down first-yearsweet clover produced up to 113pounds of nitrogen per acre.Plowing down after the secondyear resulted in 162 pounds ofnitrogen per acre.

Periodically rotating crop fieldsin grass or legumes also improvessoil tilth, aeration and drainage--mostly because earthworms andother invertebrates are moreactive under sod than in row-cropcultures. An Illinois study thatmeasured the number of breedingbirds per acre in a variety of covertypes found 12.0 birds per acre inmixed covers of hay, 5.6 inungrazed grassland, 5.0 in pas-tures, 3.5 in red clover, 2.2 in fal-low fields and only .08 in corn-fields.

Integrated PestManagementAlthough conservation tillage isless harmful than conventionaltillage to wildlife, it still relies onconsiderable chemical usage tocontrol weeds and insects. Thereduction of pesticide use can bebest accomplished by crop rotationand integrated pest management.The incidence of epidemic insectdamage on croplands is greatlyincreased when the same crop isplanted on the same acreage forseveral years in succession. Croprotation where no more than two

successive years of the same rowcrop are planted on the same acreis recommended. This will reduceplant specific insect pests belowthreshold levels, making the useof prevention insecticides less nec-essary. The monitoring and collec-tion of adult insect pests beforeegg-laying time will predict poten-tial problems. Then and only thenwill insecticide use be recommend-ed. This practice not only reducescost of crop production, it alsoreduces the possibility that insectpests will not become resistant tochemicals due to their continuedannual use. Likewise, the soilinvertebrates, which make up 90to 95 percent of all animal speciesand play such a critical role in soilhealth, will be spared the uninten-tional application of pesticides intotheir habitats. Growers need cer-tain kinds of insects, spiders,worms, snails, and nematodesbecause the invertebrates act asdecomposers, pollinators, soil con-ditioners, food sources for higherorganisms, and control agents forother organisms which may beharmful.

Other Practices thatBenefit WildlifeThe following are options to con-sider when managing your crop-fields:

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• Create smaller fields by stripcropping to provide narrow fields ofgrain next to narrow fields of for-age. You can also create smallerfields by planting shrub hedgerowsand field windbreaks, which wildlifewill use for food, cover, and travellanes.

• Establish grass or legume coveron all bare fields, even if the area isplanted in another cover type thefollowing spring. This ground coverprovides soil stability and erosioncontrol, reduces evaporation, andmaintains steadier soil tempera-tures. Plantings of crops, shrubs, ortrees that follow will grow better.Winter wheat, winter barley, andannual rye are good cover crops toconsider because deer and Canadageese will graze them withoutdecreasing crop yields the followingsummer. When possible, spacesuch cover plantings with croplandsto create diversity.

• Leave a few rows of grain on fieldperimeters to help feed wildlife inwinter.

•

Preserve and restorewetlands on yourproperty. Establish aminimum of 100 ft. ofgrassy nesting coveraround each area ofwetland.

• Establish 30-foot-wide borders of grassor legumes around the

field along wooded borders to pro-vide nesting cover, check erosion,and trap soil particles and nutri-ents. Keep these buffer zones freeof chemical spraying.

• Plow across slopes (contour plow-ing to reduce erosion, which con-serves valuable topsoil and pre-vents sediment from washing intounfarmed areas.

• Plant native grasses and forbsalong roadsides, which may beused by 40 species of birds and ani-mals. Mow or burn these areasonly before April 15 or during themonth of August.

• Maintain vegetation along roadsand uncultivated strips becausethey provide food, shelter and trav-el lanes for wildlife.

• Plant food plots of corn, grainsorghum, sunflowers, soybeans orbuckwheat. Protect the food plotson their north and west sides withnatural habitat such as woods, wet-lands or shelterbelts. If placednear wetlands or idle grasses,these food plots will greatly benefitpheasants, songbird, and quail. Ifplanted near woodlands, food plots

will greatly benefit turkeys, deer,and squirrels.

• Plant shelterbeltsaround farmsteads andwindbreaks around farmfields and other woody

covers in odd corners and edges.Windbreaks reduce erosion andincrease crop yields; shelterbeltsreduce fuel costs and increase live-stock production. Thick hedges orshrubby fencerows help stop winderosion, trap snow, and can beused as livestock fences.Evergreens supply nest sites fordoves and other birds and wintercover for a variety of wildlife. Grayand silky dogwood, highbush cran-berry and hawthorn are recom-mended food-producing shrubs.

• Abandoned farmsteads and otherold buildings or structures can beimportant habitat for rabbits, squir-rels, raccoons, deer, woodchucks,red-tailed hawks, screech owls,barred owls, gopher snakes andgarter snakes. They also attractcrows, blue jays, various wood-peckers, cedar waxwings, brownthrashers, barn swallows, songsparrows, robins, catbirds,goldfinches and other songbirds.Although it might be necessary toremove some of the old structures,save any trees and shrubs and con-sider planting others.

• Plant field corners, rocky and low-yield fields, eroded gullies andother odd areas out of cultivationwith a mixture of trees, shrubs andgrasses. Do not disturb the areasby grazing, burning or mowing anymore often than once every five to10 years.

• You may wish to manage yourentire farm for the greatest overallbenefit to wildlife. Rather than try-ing to improve conditions in a cer-tain area for one species, manageexisting agricultural lands, forestsand wetlands for the total picture.More habitat types and greatervarieties of food and cover willresult in more abundant wildlife.Involving your neighbors in a local

CROP FIELDS

plan will pay dividends for all.

Agricultural Odd AreasLow-lying areas where cropped

fields drain and often form erodedtrenches or gullies could be plantedto native wildflowers, prairiesgrasses, or shrubs. Also, plantareas where natural depressionslay, usually across fields. Designedto slow water and trap soil particlesand nutrients during heavy rains,these plantings also provide food todeer and geese and cover to smallmammals and birds.

Plant grains or legumes on allbare fields, even if the area isplanted in another cover type the

following spring. This ground coverprovides soil stability and erosioncontrol, reduces evaporation, andmaintains steadier soil tempera-tures. Legume or mixed grass-legume borders will also help tostabilize soil at field edges and pro-vide a place to turn farm machin-ery. Adding buckwheat or grainsorghum to these out-of-the-wayplaces will also provide energy foodfor seed eaters in fall and winter.

Field corners, rocky and low-yieldfields, eroded gullies, and otherodd places that cannot (and shouldnot) be cultivated provide goodwildlife habitat if planted with amixture of trees, shrubs, and grass-

es or left so that plants recolonizethe area -- which is less work thanplanting. Turn them into shelter-belts by planting alternating rowsof trees and shrubs. Fruit-produc-ing plants furnish food and coverfor many species. A few rows ofgrain next to these grown-up oddareas increases their value duringwinter. Do not disturb theseparcels by grazing, burning, ormowing more than once every fiveto 10 years, preferably treating asmall segment at intervals ratherthan the entire piece.

In summary, there are manyoptions available that create highproducing cropfields and adequatewildlife habitat. However, remem-ber that the poor choices you makemay have detrimental effects on avariety of wildlife.



CROP FIELDS

Existing features

Habitat projects

woodlotno-till

soybeansno-till

corn

GB

GBno-tillwheat hayland

FP

shelterbelt

wet land

GB

NC

FP

corn

soybeans

wheat

no-tillcorn

Road

House and Yard

River

Shrub plantings

FP Food plot

GB Grass Buffer

NC Nest ing Cover


This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussedthroughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your goals,but the location, condition, and present use of your land.

40 Acres

Ahayfield is a general namegiven to any field which hasbeen planted with a grass or

legume or a combination of grassesand or legumes with the purpose ofharvesting the plants for use asfood (hay) for livestock or allowinglivestock to graze in that field.

Hayfields can provide manykinds of wildlife with food andcover. Meadowlarks, bobolinks,and pheasants are examples ofopen-ground nesters that use hay-fields. Waterfowl, rabbits, deer,and wild turkeys nest in grasslandlocated next to woods, wetlands orbrushlands. Besides providingnesting cover, hayfields:

(1) yield browse for deer and rabbits (2) provide habitat forprotein-rich insects that serve as food for songbirds and young gamebirds (3) furnish limited winter cover for many species of wildlife.

Kestrels, foxes, skunks, and red-tailed hawks use hayfields as hunt-ing areas for insects and smallrodents such as mice and voles.Deer often use hayfields for feedingand resting sites. Does frequentlyplace their fawns along the woodededges of hayfields where the fawnsremain hidden while their mothersfeed.

Hayfields that are an integralpart of the overall managementplan on your property provide greatvalue to wildlife. In conjunctionwith woodlands, brushlands, andwetlands, hayfields contribute tothe habitat mosaic to which wildliferespond. Because hayfields andpastures are not tilled annually,they help retain moisture, reduceerosion, and aid in soil building.Depending on the type of grassesand legumes planted, some hay-fields that are properly managedwill last five or six years before theyneed to be worked up and replant-ed. They also help keep valuablenutrients in the topsoil where theyare available for future crop use.

In addition, when hayfields arepart of the landowners croprotation, less herbicides andfertilizer may be needed

because of weed contol andnitrogen benefits of hay-

fields.

Field Size Considerations

Any wildlife managementplan will help some kinds of

wildlife and harm others, and thatis why landowners should considerthe impacts of their decisions.Many predominant grasslandspecies such as pheasants,Henslow's sparrows, bobolinks, andmeadowlarks do better in areaswhere at least 25 percent of thecropland acres are in grass. Fieldslarger than 40 acres are moresecure to ground nesting wildlifethan fields smaller than 40 acresbecause nesting birds are less vul-nerable to predation. This is not tosay that hayfields smaller than 40acres are not important or produc-tive to many kinds of wildlife fornesting or feeding areas. Hayfieldslarger than 80 acres, however, havelower nesting density for rabbits,quail, pheasants, and other wildlifethat are somewhat edge depen-dent. Also, converting severalsmaller fields to one large field mayrequire the removal of fences,which will eliminate natural travelcorridors.

HAYFIELDS


bobolink

fawn

Mowing Considerations

The timing and height of haycutting can have a dramatic impacton both wildlife and the productionof your fields. With the groundbared, wildlife that use hayfieldsbecome vulnerable to predation,and the animals must move tonearby areas for cover. The sizeand vegetation types planted inyour hayfield will also impact thetypes and amount of wildlife usingthe area.

Delaying mowing until after theprimary nesting season will be thebest practice for wildlife. The prob-lem for landowners is that the bestlivestock forage often occurs priorto the end of the nesting season.Alfalfa is best managed for forageproduction when it is cut at quar-ter-bloom (when 25 percent of thefield is blossoming). After cutting,the alfalfa will once again be atquarter-bloom in four to fiveweeks. The cycle of harvestingevery 30 to 35 days is what spellsdoom for pheasants, which requirea period of 40 days in which to suc-

cessfully laytheir eggs

(about 13days) andi n c u b a t e

them to hatch-ing (23 days on

average). Therefore, a landownerwho mows on June 1 will likelydestroy any egg clutches from henswho happened to begin nesting onApril 20 or later. Although mosthens attempt to renest, success isthwarted by the same set of cir-cumstances.

Undisturbed nesting habitat isthe key to the survival of wildlifewho use hayfields. Nesting water-fowl, for example, may benef i t

even more from permanent vegeta-tion in hayfields than upland game-birds do. So what can landown-ers who need to harvest their haycrop do? One management optionis to delay mowing as long as pos-sible. Even a one-week delay, toJune 8, for example, will result inhigher nesting success.

Different hay crops have differ-ent peak harvest times. By havingdiverse hayfield plantings, someplanted to pure stands of alfalfaand others planted to agrass/clover mix can alter the tim-ing of the harvest. Some grassesand/or clovers actually producemore hay if harvested later in thespring or early summer. Plantingdiverse hayfields can also spreadout your harvest time and effort.Also, more and more hayfields andpastures are being planted to warmseason grasses such as switch-grass, big bluestem, and littlebluestem. Since these grasses arenot usually harvested until mid-summer they provide outstandingnesting and brood rearing coverbefore being grazed or cut for hay.Another option is to cut your hay-field late in the fall. Nesting wildlifechoose nesting sites based onspring vegetation heights. Formost grassland nesting wildlife,fields with short vegetation heightin the early spring are not pre-ferred. Since these fields will notbe preferred nesting sites there wilbe less negative impact to wildlifewhen the fields are harvested.

Planting Recommendations

Solid stands of any one kind ofgrass or legume are not nearly asvaluable to wildlife as a mixture ofplants. A mixture provides thegreatest diversity of growth, whichin turn offers vertical and horizontaldensities, a variety of plant heights,and different palatability to insectsand wildlife throughout the foodchain. The mixtures also establishbetter and adjust to different soiltypes across fields. They oftenhave longer growth periods andhigher yields. And, they are alsoless susceptible to total loss fromdrought, wetness and insects.

Cool season grasses such asorchard grass, redtop, and timothygrass grow most rapidly duringspring and early summer and againat the end of summer and early fallwhen cool nights follow warm days.Mixed with clovers, they offer anoutstanding variety of wildlife foodand cover, providedthey are not moweda g g r e s s i v e l y .Clovers to considerare medium-red,ladino, and alsike.Cool season grassesare popular withlandowners becausethey are easy toestablish andrespond to heavy fertilization.They do better in 6.0-7.0 pH soilsthan other cover types, and theycontinue to be productive for manyyears. Landowners increase soilpH by adding marl, lime or someother calcium-based material.Fertilizer rates and types are basedon soil tests, easily obtained for anominal fee with a soil sample kitavailable from Michigan StateUniversity Extension offices.

timothy

A recommended mix of coolseason grasses and legumes thatprovide excellent nesting, andbrood rearing cover would be 7 lbs.of medium red clover, 6 lbs. of tim-othy grass, and 2 lbs. of ladinoclover per acre. This planting willproduce high quality hay when cutaround July 15, which is past theprime nesting season for mostbirds and mammals. The mix willgrow well on most soil types andwell to poorly drained conditions.

Warm season grasses have ashorter growing season and areusually planted for grazing orwildlife purposes, but can be usedas a hay crop as well. They growmost rapidly during the peak ofsummer when warm nights followhot days--especially the months of

June, July andAugust. Whensoil tempera-tures begin todrop, growthslows dramati-cally. Becausethese warm sea-son grass standsare used primar-

ily as pasture or hay in the summermonths, songbirds, gamebirds, andother wildlife will have completedtheir nesting activities before live-stock is allowed into the grassstands. Warm season native grass-es species are big bluestem, littlebluestem, switchgrass and Indian-grass. Often mixed with wildflowers(forbs) to represent the diversegrass stands of our prairies, theyare usually referred to as prairiegrasses. They make more efficientuse of water and soil nutrients(nitrogen, phosphorus and potassi-um) than do cool season grasses,and they do not require as muchfertilizer. Their value to wildlife isexceptional--standing up well insnow to offer warm, secure winter

shelter; providing nesting habitatdiversity when mixed together; andyielding food in the form of insectsand seeds.

Warm season grass seeds tendto be fluffy and bulky. Pure LiveSeed (PLS) takes into account thata pound of warm season grass con-tains inert materials and seeds thatwill not germinate. You can use thefollowing formula and informationfrom the seed bag to determine thepercent PLS of your seed. PercentPLS = Percent (%) pure seed muli-plied by (percent germination pluspercent dormant seed). For exam-ple:

% pure seed = 0.90% germination = 0.80% dormant = 0.10

0.90 X (0.8 + 0.1)=0.81 (%PLS)

Thus, for every 10 lbs. of bulk seedyou would have 8.1 pound of purelive seed.

To calculate the pounds of bulkseed needed per acre, take thedesired PLS divided by the percentPLS (figured above) for your seed.For example:

Desired plant rate = 8 lbs/acrePercent PLS = 0.818/0.81 = 9.5 bulk lbs/acre

Most warm season grasses willrange from 50 to 95 percent PLS

per bulk pound due to the differ-ence between each bag of seed oreach grass type.

When planting warm seasongrasses for pasture or hay produc-tion, plant pure stands of switch-grass at 5 to 8 lbs. of pure live seed(pls) per acre or 8 lbs. of pure liveseed of big bluestem or Indiangrass, which would produce qualitywildlife cover as well good foragefor livestock. A mixed stand ofwarm season grasses will also pro-duce good forage for livestock andbecause of the plant diversity bevery attractive to wildlife. A recom-mended mix is 3 lbs. of bigbluestem, 3 lbs. of Indiangrass,and 2 lbs. of little bluestem, allpure live seed, planted per acre.

Several stands of warm andcool season grasses, with or with-out legumes, provide the broadesthabitat diversity. Horse fanciers,who typically harvest hay only onceeach year, like such a mix for itshigh forage value. Light grazing orrotational grazing lessens live-stock's impact on wildlife. Whenmowing or grazing, warm seasongrasses should not be croppedlower than eight inches to allow forrapid regrowth. By comparison,cool season grasses are typicallycropped as close as four to six inch-es. For more information on plant-ing, maintenance and management

HAYFIELDS

switchgrass

see the respective Warm andCool Season Grass chapters inthe Grassland Management sec-tion. Also refer to the Wildflowerschapter in the Backyards section.

In summary, hayfields areessentially grasses and/or legumesthat are planted for livestock.However, while providing food forlivestock, hayfields can also providefood and cover for a variety ofwildlife. The most critical manage-ment option is to mow hayfieldsbefore April 15 or after July 15 toensure successful nesting andbrood rearing.


HAYFIELDS

S S cropland

cropland

woods

alfalfa

cut after June 15th

alfalfa

cut after June 7th

W

CSG&

clovers

CSG

&clovers

Exist ing features

Road

House & yard

Stream

Wetland

Habitat projects

Cool season grasses

Switchgrass

W

CSG

S



This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussedthroughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on yourgoals, but the location, condition, and present use of your land.

40 Acres

Vegetated fencerows, farmlanes, field borders, roadsides,ditch banks, shelter belts, and

other linear features of the rurallandscape can provide key habitatfor many species of wildlife. Thesestrip-type covers often lie next tolarge nesting and feeding areas,they provide edge habitat, and theygive wildlife secure travel lanesbetween unconnected habitats.Pheasants and rabbits escape intothe thickets that often grow there.Wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, cardi-nals, and chickadees regularly feedon the fruits and seeds found alongfencerows.

Naturalized field margins arespecies-rich sanctuaries for wormsand other invertebrates and areimportant for the conservation ofoverall species diversity in crop-lands. Tree corridors improve habi-tat for birds, both as breeding terri-tories and as feeding zones formigrants and residents. Corridorsalso serve as environmental filters,windbreaks, and streambank stabi-lizers. When snow is driven by

west winds,fencerowsand bufferstips thatare ori-ented northand southkeep snowon the land andout of ditches.Gradual meltingof accumulatedsnow later pre-vents soil fromdrying out asquickly. Fencerows and shelterbeltsmay also protect houses and farmbuildings from harsh weather condi-tions, decreasing energy needed toheat in winter and cool in summer.

If you have such field bordersand corridors on your property, con-sider enhancing them for wildlife.As travel lanes, the best fencerowsare at least 30 to 50 feet wide andcontain a mix of fruitbearing shrubs,conifers, and ground covers such asgoldenrod, and aster along withweeds such as foxtail, ragweed, andsmartweed. Other corridors mayinclude sumac stands, piles ofbrush, and other micro-habitats ofwoody vegetation such asgrapevines, blackberry, and dog-wood. Wider is usually better, but

any corridor is better thannone at all. Selective cut-

ting, prescribed burning,and planting of low-growingtrees, highbush cranberry,silky and gray dogwood,

nannyberry, crabapples and othershrubs can rejuvenate fencerows.

These and other plants can bepuchased through your countyConservation District and local nurs-eries.

FencerowsIn heavily farmed areas of

Michigan, such as the thumb region,fencerows offer one of the lasttraces of wildlife habitat. Clearfarming practices have removedfencerows or reduced their widthand eliminated their weedy andshrubby vegetation. Many peopledo not realize how importantfencerows are to wildlife. Resultshow that 12 different bird speciesuse herbaceous fencerows. Whenthe fencerows contained scatteredtrees and shrubs, the number ofbird species increased to 38. Thoseplanted to continuous trees andshrubs attracted 48 species.Similarly, Michigan researchersfound the density and diversity ofbird nests increased as the number

FIELD BORDERSAND CORRIDORS


Fencerow

Black-capped Chickadee

of fencerow shrubs increasedbecause the shrubs added habitatvariety through layers of understorystructure.

Vegetated fencerows that are30 feet or wider lessen the impactof predation, especially on ground-nesting birds, and increase theopportunity for habitat diversity.Selective mowing, cutting and burn-ing can increase the habitat mosaic,giving wildlife varying heights anddensities of vegetation, especiallygrass. On the other hand, protect-ing the fencerow from grazing orburning encourages development ofshrubs. Piling rocks and stonesfrom adjacent fields along thefencerow gives reptiles and smallmammals a place to hide. Plantingor preserving trees provides oppor-tunities for birds to nest and to rest.They also give hawks and owlsperches. The management prac-tices you employ will either encour-age or discourage certain wildlifespecies, and that is why the wiselandowner has an overall manage-ment plan.

HedgerowsHedgerows, which may contain

trees, shrubs, or a mixture of both,grow naturally along fences that areprotected. Where there are nofences, hedgerows can be created.Set fence posts in a line or stag-gered every 20 feet down the cen-ter of a plowed strip. String wire ortwine about three feet high betweenthe posts so they can serve as birdperches. Bird droppings are usuallyfull of viable seed, and the plantsfrom such deposits will often growas fast as those from rootstock.Hedgerows protect farm fields fromwind and water erosion, they pro-vide borders for farmland that maybe adjacent to your property, andthey attract wildlife by providing

secure travel corridors. Some peo-ple plant hedgerows to draw deerand other wildlife to their backyardswhere they can be observed.

If hedgerows do not alreadyexist on your property, create themby planting shrubs or a shrub-conifer mixture. Consider locatingthe hedgerows across big, openfields, along present fencerows, ingullies, along streams, and aroundponds, springs, food patches, nest-ing and breeding grounds, andother well-used wildlife sites. Aftersite preparation, plant shrubs eightto ten feet apart. Plant evergreens(conifers) at the rate of one perevery eight to twelve feet. Shrubrows should be spaced eight feetapart and conifer rows 10 feet apartto provide contiguous cover in eightto 12 years. A hedgerow with onerow of conifers and two of fruitbear-ing shrubs will provide a strip that is20 to 25 feet wide. Plan on thinningthe conifers at 10 to 15 years ofage. For hedgerows containingshrubs only, at least four rowsspaced eight to ten feet apartshould be planted in early springand weed control should be used forthe first three years. Control theweeds manually or with a selective

herbicide or use mulches or clip-pings. Protect from fire and graz-ing.

Some of the most effectivehedgerows are those planted onsouth-facing slopes. For a secondchoice consider east- or west-facingslopes. On level ditch banks, plant-ing the north and west edges will bemost effective. If your plan is todivide a large field, exposure to thesoutheast works best. On slopesexceeding four percent, separatehedgerow and row crops with a six-foot wide border of sod. Whenplanted across a natural waterway,space the shrubs and trees wideenough to allow a vigorous under-story of grass and forbs to develop.

RoadsidesRoadsides offer one of the best

opportunities for habitat manage-ment because at least 40 species ofwildlife use the associated grass-lands. Species include pheasants,quail, mallards, goldfinches, mead-owlarks, mourning doves, cotton-tails, and woodchucks. Althoughthe acreage of roadside along a mileof road may seem small, collective-ly the figure in Michigan is at leastseveral hundred thousand acres.

Hedgerows may contain a mixture of trees and shrubs.

Unfortunately, such habitatbecomes a death trap for manynesting birds and mammals sincemost landowners mow or spraytheir roadsides throughout the nest-ing season.

The key is to curtail mowing, atleast until July 15 when birds havehad a chance to complete nestingand brood rearing broods. Whenweed control is necessary, use spotmowing or spot spraying. Toimprove visibility for drivers, high-way shoulders should be mowed 12feet wide or not past the ditch.After July 15, clipping the grass to aheight of 10 or 12 inches will leavenesting cover for the followingspring. To establish grasslandsalong roadsides, consider planting amixture of native warm seasongrasses (little bluestem, bigbluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass)or a cool season grass mixture (tim-othy, orchardgrass).

ShelterbeltsCreating shelterbelts around

farm homes and outbuildings keepssnow out, cuts wind erosion, andprovides a cooler environment inthe summer and warmer environ-ment in the winter. They alsoreduce livestock feed costs andincrease crop production. Wildlifebenefits include nesting, rearing,roosting, and escape cover.Mourning doves and other song-birds nest in evergreens of the shel-terbelt, which also provide food andprotection from predators. A studyfound an average of 22 bird nestsper shelterbelt, which averaged lessthan two acres each in size. Species,which are native to Michigan,included grackles, mourning doves,robins, gray catbirds, chipping spar-rows, blue jays, black-billed cuck-oos, Brewer's blackbirds, indigobuntings, brown thrashers,

goldfinches, yellowthroats, and red-winged blackbirds.

The porosity of a shelterbeltdetermines how effective the shel-terbelt is. Wind that encountersresistance either sifts through theresistance or sweeps up and over orboth. Once it reaches the other sideof the resistance, the wind begins togather strength again. How dense-ly you plant shrubs and trees in theshelterbelt itself determines howeffective it will be at stopping windand checking drifting snow.Shelterbelts with close-growingtrees and shrubs contribute tounnecessary drifting in the farm-yard. They also have a shorter lifespan than more porous designs.

Four rows each of deciduoustrees (non-evergreens) and conifers(evergreens) make good shelter-belts when planted 20 feet apart inrows that are 20 feet apart.Locating the taller deciduous treeson the outside (windward side) ofthe shelterbelt will help achieve theprimary purposes of protection andlong life. Placing two additionalrows of black cherry, black walnut,butternut, chokecherry, hawthorn,hickory or oak in the center(between rows 3 and 4 and 4 and 5)will help provide wildlife food andhomes. To provide even more foodand cover, add one to three rows ofchokecherry, red-osier dogwood,gray dogwood, Juneberry, highbushcranberry, elderberry, crabapple andAmerican or beaked hazel.

Keep several features in mind asyou develop a farmstead shelter-belt:

• The innermost row shouldnot be too close to the house,barn or feedlot. Close spacingcan cause problems with drift-ing snow and reduce other ben-

efits. Your county NaturalResource Conservation Serviceoffice (NRCS) has detailedadvice to consider, includingwhat tree and shrub species arebest suited to the soils and spe-cial conditions on your land.NRCS personnel can also adviseyou on proper spacing of treesand shrubs.

FIELD BORDERS AND CORRIDORS

Varying heights and densitiesof vegetation attract a varietyof wildlife.

kestrel

pheasant

bobwhitequail

mourning dove

woodchuck

cottontail rabbit

•Avoid planting under ornear powerlines or other utili-ties. If this plan is not possible,consider using shorter-growingtrees and shrubs.

•Do not create driving haz-ards or other obstructions thatwill deposit snow on highwaysor blind corners. Locate thedownwind row of any shelter-belt no closer than 100 feetnorth or west of a road orrights-of-way.

•The shelterbelts shouldextend at least 50 feet andpreferably 100 feet beyond the

last main building at the eastand south ends of the farm-stead to provide maximum pro-tection from snow drifting.Rows of trees should be spaced20 feet apart. In order to beeffective, a farmstead shelter-belt may require an area from200 to 225 feet wide.

•You can simplify the estab-lishment of a new shelterbelt bymaintaining conifer seedlings inplastic containers for a coupleyears until they are at least twofeet tall. When planted, theywill compete better with weedsand save initial herbicide costs.Also, container stock grows two

to three times faster, whenplanted properly, than bare rootstock.

•Order about five percentmore trees and shrubs than areneeded. Excess plants thataren't used for replacement canbe planted elsewhere and trans-planted back into the shelterbeltlater if needed.

In summary, field borders andcorridors not only provide a varietyof benefits to wildlife, but also pro-vide numerous benefits to you, thelandowner. Enjoy watching andhelping wildlife thrive in these areasaround your home.


FIELD BORDERS AND CORRIDORS

woods

woods

hayfieldcropfield

cropfield

P

PExisting features

Road

House & yard

Stream

Permanent grass strip

Habitat projectsShelter belt

Windbreak

Roadside for wildlife(wider, no mowing)

Rockpile

Fencerow (grass,trees, shrubs)

Hedgerow(shrubs, conifers)

P

SBWR


This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed through-out this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your goals, but thelocation, condition, and present use of your land.

Private Land Partnerships: This partnership was formed between both privateand public organizations in order to address private lands wildlife issues. Individuals shareresources, information, and expertise. This landowner’s guide has been a combined effortbetween these groups working towards one goal: Natural Resources Education. We hope thisguide provides you with the knowledge and the motivation to make positive changes for ourenvironment.

40 acres

Annual grain crops such as corn, sunflowers, buckwheat,millet, wheat, and grain

sorghum can provide food forwildlife in late fall, winter, and earlyspring. This chapter explains howto plan and design effective grainplots, how to choose sites and pre-pare them for seeding, and how toplant and manage them for maxi-mum benefit to wildlife.

Limiting FactorsMany landowners mistakenly

believe that grain plots provideeverything that wildlife need. Onthe contrary, small plantings ofgrain are the last part of the habi-tat puzzle because all wildlife alsoneed water, cover, and space tosurvive. Unless quality secure coveris available next to the grain plot, itcould become hunting grounds forpredators, especially in winter. Inaddition, another type of foodneeds to be available during thespring, summer, and early fall.Another myth is that grain cropsneed only be planted and then canbe forgotten. Fertilizer and weedcontrol are also necessary for suc-cess of most grain crops.

In many parts of Michigan,deer consume grain crops morethan any other wildlife species.Unless you want to attract deer,arrange grain plots away fromwoods, swamps and other deercover, or plant the crop so that it isperpendicular--and not parallel--tothe deer habitat. On the otherhand, plots of grain can be usedsuccessfully to lure wildlife from amore valuable crop. Some farmers,for example, plant buckwheatbetween forested areas and valu-able cashcrop fields of beans.Foraging deer eat the buckwheatand have less impact on the beans.

To be suitable for wildlife, foodmust be nourishing, readily avail-able, and near cover. A grain cropsuch as corn that stands above thesnow is especially valuable in win-ter. Although nutritional needs andpreferences of different specieschange season by season, winter isthe most critical period for mostwildlife. For example, a pheasantwill eat an average of 4 ounces ofcorn daily for a total of 23 pounds over 90 days. A deer will eat 6 pounds of corn daily for a total of 540 pounds over the same period.

Because grains are anannual crop, their value towildlife is generally oneyear. However, if allowed to lieidle a second year, the decayinggrain stalks and weeds that growwill help attract insects, which sup-

ply valuable protein to young-of-the-year pheasants, songbirds,quail and wild turkeys. The idlefields also offer protective cover.The most effective grain crops arelocated next to these idled, weedyfields.

Planning and Design Careful planning can make the

difference between projects thatare buried by the first winter bliz-zard and those that will helpwildlife make it through andbeyond the storm. Size, location,and shape are key considerations.If grain plots are part of your man-agement plan, allocate no morethan 10 percent of your property tothem. The ideal size of each plot is1/2 acre to 1 1/2 acres. Largerplantings of 5 to 10 acres helplessen the impact of predators, butsmaller sites attract less-mobilewildlife. The reason is because

smaller plots can often beincorporated within or adja-cent to secure winter cover,such as switchgrass, brush-

lands, or timber. Song-birds, for example, rarely

venture to food sitesmore than a quarter-mile from secure

winter cover.

Location, therefore,is at least as important

as size. Shape is also akey consideration. The

most effective food plotsare square or rectangular

in design and at least 60 feet wide.

GRAIN PLOTPLANTING


Pheasants use grain plot plantingsfor food and cover.

If your property is longand narrow, a graincrop 60 feet wide by700 feet long takes uponly one acre of land.Such plantings makefood readily available.

Several types ofgrain have value toMichigan birds andmammals. Most wildlifemanagers put corn at the top oftheir priority list. Other grains, inorder of their overall value, aresunflowers, buckwheat, millet,wheat, grain sorghum, and soy-beans. Each food type has advan-tages and disadvantages. Corn,for example, stands well abovesnow and is available through the

winter and well into spring.When planted from

late April throughmid-May and

treated properlywith fertilizer and

herbicide, a field ofcorn should pro-

duce 100 bushels or 5,600 poundsper acre. Because it is a row crop,corn will often require weed controlbefore or after planting.

The black oil variety of sun-flowers provides an outstanding

source of fall foodfor songbirds,upland birds,

mice, andother smallm a m m a l s .Drought-tol-erant and

early maturing, the four to six feettall plants are so highly favoredthat--on the negative side--little orno seeds are left when winterarrives. Also, sunflowers competewell with weeds. Broadcast or drillat the rate of 5 to 10 pounds peracre in May. A typical yield of sun-

flowers is 40 bushels or 2000pounds per acre.

Buckwheat needs little or nofertilizer or weed control becauseits roots produce its own toxins.But, it does not stand up well tosnow. A good yield is 30 bushelsper acre or 1500 pounds per acre.Buckwheat is able to produce amature crop in 65 days. Thus, itcan be planted as late as July 1 andproduce a crop of mature seed bySeptember 6. It is ideal for a wetsite or a site prepared for anothercrop that was not planted becauseof wet weather.

Millets grow 1 1/2 to 3 feet talland do better than other grains inmoist soils although they are notprime winter foods for wildlifebecause they do not stand up tosnow. Varieties include Japanese,red proso, white proso and Germanfoxtail. Japanese millet actuallyfavors damp lowlands, mud flats,water courses and river bottoms.When solid-seeded, millet is usual-ly able to compete with weeds ifthey are controlled before planting.Plant from mid-May to early July at8 to 10 pounds per acre. Expect toget 30 bushels per acre.

Wheat and winter barleygrow best in areas of moderatemoisture with cool weather forearly growth and sunny, warm dayswhen the grain is ripening. Planted

in fall, winter bar-ley and wheatbecomes dormantin winter andbegins to grow againin spring. Besidesgreen browse fordeer, grain be-comes available tosongbirds by midsummer, and provides fall roostingsites for pheasants. Winter foodand cover value are reduced whensnow covers the ground. Plantfrom September to October at therate of 120 pounds per acre; agood yield is 50 bushel/ acre or3,000 pounds/acre.

Grain sorghum has excellentdrought resistance, grows well inhot dry conditions, and stands wellin snow. Its key drawback is that itis not well-suited to Michigan,except for the extreme southerncounties. Grain heads are two tofour feet high, and the small seedsproduced attract pheasants, quail,songbirds and deer. Like corn,grain sorghum needs about 100-120 days to mature; plant itaccording to the same schedule. Agood yield is 70 bushels or 3,920pounds per acre.

Although "pure" stands of theabove grains are easier to plant,fertilize and control weeds, certaingrain mixes--especially those con-taining buckwheat and Japanese

Seed Planting Rate/acre Planting Time Planting Depth (Inches)

Corn 12 - 15# 4/15 - 5/15 2 - 3Grain - Sorghum 6 - 10# 5/1 - 6/1 1 - 2

Buckwheat 50 - 60# 5/15 - 7/1 1 - 2Japanese Millet 10 - 15# 5/15 - 7/1 1 - 2

Winter Wheat or Barley 120# 9/1 - 10/1 1 - 2Rye 55 - 75# 9/1 - 10/1 1 - 2

Sunflowers 6 - 10# 5/1 - 6/1 1 - 2

millet--are growing in favor amongwildlife managers. Research todetermine ideal combinations ofgrains is ongoing. Check with yourcounty Conservation District (CD)for current information.

Choosing andPreparing PlantingSites

Site conditions to considerbefore planting include potentialweed problems, drainage, erosionpotential, and soil type, depth, tex-ture, and fertility. Plant grains onthe best soils you have, avoidingdry or wet sites. Eliminate fromconsideration any slopes greaterthan six percent to avoid erosionproblems. Level, fertile sites arenot only easiest to manage, theywill produce the greatest amount ofseed and forage per acre. Yourlocal Conservation District officewill have a county soil survey map,which will include your property,and may help you decide what toplant where. Also, for more infor-mation, refer to the Crop Fieldschapter in this section.

Proper soil pH and fertility arenecessary for the intended crop. Asoil test will determine pH needsand recommend rates of nutrientapplication. Your county MichiganState University Extension officehas soil-test kits available for anominal charge and can analyzesamples for you. Before plantingany grain plot, the soil pH shouldbe between 5.5 and 7.0. If lime isneeded to raise the pH level, applyit in the fall before your plantingseason or at least three to sixmonths before planting.

Planting and ManagingIf your planting site is an old

field, pasture, or was recently

grass, mow it first. Use a relative-ly safe, broad-spectrum herbicidesuch as glyphosate (Roundup), atleast ten days before soil work is tobegin to kill all vegetation and givethe grain crop a chance to competeagainst weeds. Be sure to readand follow label directions. If youare using conventional tillage, plowand disk the field and plant.Planting equipment includes threechoices: a corn planter, grain drill,or broadcast planter. If the field issmall, you may want to spreadseed by hand or use a crank broad-caster. After broadcast planting,lightly disk or drag the field to bare-ly cover the seed, or go over thefield with a cultipacker or roller.

If you are using conservationtillage (usually referred to as "no-till"), you can eliminate the steps ofplowing, disking, and rolling.Whatever method you choose,however, row-crop grain plantingswill need additional broadleaf weedcontrol. Provide control throughanother application of selectiveherbicide and/or cultivation.Perfectly clean rows, however, arenot critical because weeds do havevalue for wildlife--adding diversityto cover and providing protein-richseeds such as smartweed, ragweed

and millet for food. As a generalrule, if weeds have taken over only10 to 30 percent of your food plot,do not be concerned. Slightlyreduced yields of 60 to 80bushel/acre corn and 40 to 50bushel/acre grain sorghum thatresult from some weed competitionare still acceptable for wildlifevalue.

Plantings of clovers and/orgrasses can also provide valuablewildlife food for wildlife. For moreinformation see the chapters in theGrassland Management section.

In summary, grain plots canmake a big difference towardimproving your property's appealfor many wildlife species. Carefulplanning, attention to detail, andnot expecting the plots to provideall wildlife habitat needs are keyconsiderations. Grain plots are justone piece of the overall "puzzle".

GRAIN PLOT PLANTING


FOR ADDITIONALCHAPTERS CONTACT:Michigan UnitedConservationClubsPO Box 30235Lansing, MI 48909517/371-1041

GRAIN PLOT PLANTING


introduction to cropland management · lower southern michigan was most - ly farmers. farmland...

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