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By:
Osceola
Date:25-Jan-17
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Random discussion imply that a plant is more "drought tolerant" than another. "Drought" in one area may be considered decent rain fall in another.
In western NE with light sandy loam soils, we average 15 inches of precipitation a year with a very wet year being 20 inches. In Indiana for example, this likely would be considered a disastrous drought.
Is there information out there that gives a "recommended/minimum" precipitation for plant types. It would be nice to look at a quick reference and see what kale, Winfred brassica, Egyptian wheat, milo, soybeans, corn, radishes, turnips, millet, canola, etc. need for minimum/adequate growth so one does not waste a year (or more) trying different plantings. Is there more scientific information out there instead of this plant is "more drought resistant? The local COOPs have expertise with corn, soybeans, wheat and milo; however, I get blank stares when I mention nontraditional plants.
Lets assume soil test, proper fertilizing/liming, field preparation, and other farming stewardship is completed.
Using only precipitation (or lack thereof) requirements as your guide, what is your a top 5 list of plants for year round deer nutrition with only 15 inches of precipitation?
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By:
mtoomey
Date:25-Jan-17
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I would contact a university extension agent. Also, I believe one of the state universities in the Midwest or South has a white-tail research center. They may have information. Mike
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By:
mtoomey
Date:25-Jan-17
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I would contact a university extension agent. Also, I believe one of the state universities in the Midwest or South has a white-tail research center. They may have information. Mike
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By:
Osceola
Date:25-Jan-17
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University extension research is on corn, soybeans, alfalfa, milo, or what I call "normally" harvested crops. Little or no information is available for kale, Winfred brassica, rutabaga, Egyptian wheat, radishes, etc.
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By:
willliamtell
Date:25-Jan-17
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It isn't just what can survive a drought, it's what does well in those conditions.
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By:
Osceola
Date:25-Jan-17
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Williamtell - You are exactly right.
Better said than I. What does well with an expected rain fall of 15 inches...
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By:
LKH
Date:25-Jan-17
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Unfortunately, it's not just the amount of rain, but the timing that matters at least as much. A few years back I had a great spring wheat crop. Moisture had been adequate and timely. Just before harvest, we got 6 inches of rain over 6 days. The wheat got sprout damage and went from $6 to $2.50 a bushel.
The same thing can happen if you get too much rain and delay planting. You might have the same rainfall, but it isn't at the right time.
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By:
Bowman
Date:25-Jan-17
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I do not have much experience and have just bought some equipment. I have mostly sandy soil. I did get small burnet to grow and that was before I limed and fertilized. I had contracted the field work out. Not even cultipacted.
I am aware of a "movement" toward no till planting. I do not see me getting a no till drill.
I am learning about hardpan and soil compaction. I do not know if that is a big issue for me based on my soil. Anyway,....small burnet is the only crop I know of that can grow with less than 15" of rain. Chicory may be a good choice to plant with it because of the taproot. Small burnett is not recommended to be planted in a monoculture.
Land prep http://deerandforests.org/resources/drought-proof-food-plots
Small burnett https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/idpmcrb11476.pdf
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By:
t-roy
Date:25-Jan-17
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You might look into milo. I have no experience with it, but have heard it is pretty drought tolerant.
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By:
Buff
Date:25-Jan-17
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As said above, the timing is more important than amount, to a degree.
