If you are trying to enhance wildlife on your land, planting a food plot is a great way to go about it. Chufa and clover are two excellent choices to plant together for turkey and other wildlife.
There are specific considerations to keep in mind when planting these two plants together.
What is Chufa and Why Should You Plant It?
What is Chufa?
Chufa, known scientifically as Cyperus esculentus, is a type of sedge that grows well in warm climates. It is a nut grass that produces a small, nut-like tuber that is high in protein, oil, and minerals, making it a valuable food source for wildlife.
Why Should You Plant Chufa?
Chufa is an attractive feed that supports turkey, deer, and other game species. With a high carbohydrate and fat content, chufa is particularly valuable for turkeys, which need high-energy food sources to survive during the cold winter months and to prepare for breeding season.
How Much Chufa Should You Plant per Acre?
The recommended amount of chufa to plant per acre is approximately 20-30 pounds. This amount is sufficient to establish a good stand and provide wildlife with sufficient nourishment.
Can You Plant Chufa and Clover Together?
What are the Benefits of Planting Chufa and Clover Together?
Planting chufa and clover together offers several benefits. Clover is a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can improve the growth of other plants planted close by. Also, clover is an excellent forage plant that animals, including turkeys, love to eat.
When chufa and clover are planted together, the clover can provide cover for chufa during the early growth stages, which can help reduce weed competition and protect chufa from being eaten by wildlife.
What is the Best Time to Plant Chufa and Clover Together?
The best time to plant chufa and clover together is in the spring or early summer when the soil temperatures are warm and have reached at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is when these warm-season plants grow the best. In some areas, it may also be possible to plant a fall crop of clover to provide year-round coverage for wildlife.
How Much Chufa and Clover Should You Plant Together per Acre?
For a chufa-clover food plot, plant about two pounds of chufa and six pounds of clover per acre. This amount is enough for the chufas to grow with the clover providing the desired cover.
How to Grow Chufa and Clover for Wildlife?
What is a Good Seed Bed for Chufa and Clover?
A good seed bed for chufa and clover should be well-drained, weed-free, and have a pH level of 5.5-6.5.
A soil test can help determine the pH level of soil. It is also essential to ensure that the area chosen for planting gets plenty of sunlight.
How to Plant Chufa and Clover?
The best way to plant chufa and clover is to use a planter or a no-till drill that can adjust planting depth accurately. If using a planter, plant chufa seeds at a depth of approximately two to three inches and clover seeds at a depth of a quarter to a half-inch.
For best results, ensure that soil is sufficiently moist before planting.
How to Fertilize Chufa and Clover?
Chufa prefers soil that is high in nitrogen and potassium, while clover thrives best in soils with an adequate amount of phosphorus. Applying 200-300 pounds of 16-4-8 fertilizer per acre to the food plot can provide adequate nutrients for the optimal growth of chufa and clover.
How to Maximize Chufa Growth for Turkey and Wildlife?
What is the Best Soil pH for Growing Chufa?
The ideal pH for growing chufa is between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil pH level is below this range, lime can be added to increase the pH, while sulfur can lower it if above the ideal range.
How to Control Weeds for Chufa?
Weeds can be a significant concern when growing chufa. The best way to control weeds is to remove them manually, but this method can be very time-consuming for larger food plots.
Applying herbicides containing clethodim or sethoxydim can be an effective way to control grass and weeds that are tough to remove manually.
How to Prevent Hog Damage to Chufa and Clover?
Wild hogs, also called feral pigs, can cause damage to chufa and clover plots by digging up the tubers. A reliable solution to prevent hog damage is to fence the food plot or use a hog repellent spray.
Q: Can chufa and clover be planted together?
A: Yes, it is possible to plant chufa and clover together in a food plot.
Q: What is a food plot?
A: A food plot is a planted area of land used for attracting and providing nutrition to wildlife, particularly deer and turkey.
Q: Can chufas be planted in a food plot?
A: Yes, chufas are a popular plant used in food plots, particularly for attracting and supporting wild turkeys.
Q: What are chufas?
A: Chufas are a type of sedge, also known as Cyperus esculentus, that produce small, nut-like tubers that are used for food and wildlife feeding purposes.
Q: Can soybeans be planted in a food plot with chufas?
A: Yes, soybeans can be planted in a food plot with chufas, as they complement each other well. Soybeans provide forage and nutrition for deer, while chufas provide high-energy food for wild turkeys.
Q: What is a gobbler?
A: A gobbler is a mature male wild turkey, typically targeted by hunters during turkey hunting season.
Q: How many pounds per acre of chufas should be planted?
A: The recommended planting rate for chufas is 30-50 pounds per acre.
Q: Can clover be planted with chufas?
A: Yes, clover can be planted with chufas, as they are both beneficial for wildlife and complement each other well in terms of providing food and nutrition.
Q: Where should chufa fields be planted?
A: Chufa fields should be planted in sandy soil types with good drainage and sufficient soil moisture. They can also be planted in a variety of soil types with the use of appropriate soil amendments and nitrogen fertilizer.
Q: When is the best time to plant chufas?
A: The best time to plant chufas is in late April or early May, with the tubers planted about one to two inches deep. They typically thrive and produce tubers by early June, just in time for turkey hunting season.
Conclusion
Planting chufa and clover together is a great way to increase the food source for wildlife, especially for turkeys.
When done correctly, this combination can provide mature chufa tubers and lush clover for wildlife to thrive on. Ensure to follow the best practices for planting, fertilizing, and controlling weeds to get the most out of your chufa-clover plot.
