Mississippi’s long growing season, high humidity, heavy rainfall, and intense summer heat make summer food plots both highly rewarding and challenging. Success depends on understanding local soils, climate extremes, weed diversity, and wildlife pressure. Below are evidence-based tips to maximize plot performance during the hottest months.

Start with a Soil Test

A soil test is non-negotiable for summer food plot success. Many Mississippi soils are naturally acidic and low in phosphorus. Research shows that lime applications often provide a greater yield benefit than additional fertilizer alone in these soils.

  • pH targets: Most legumes thrive at pH 6.2–7.0, while many summer annuals tolerate slightly lower levels (5.8–6.5).
  • Timing: Apply lime several months before planting, particularly on clay soils, where pH adjustment is slower.
  • Fertilizer: Follow soil test recommendations for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Split applications help reduce nutrient loss during heavy summer rains.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Crops

Selecting species adapted to Southern heat is critical. Research shows mixed plantings outperform monocultures under drought and browsing pressure. Recommended summer species for Mississippi include:

  • Legumes: Iron-clay Cowpeas, Forage Soybeans, American Jointvetch, and Alyceclover
  • Forbs: Chicory, Buckwheat
  • Grains: Sorghum, Brown-top Millet, and Pearl Millet.

Planting tips:

  • Timing: Soil temperatures should reach at least 65°F; late April–June is ideal.
  • Blends vs. monocultures: Blends improve drought tolerance, reduce complete crop loss from browsing, and provide more continuous forage.

Early Weed Control Is Critical

Weeds can quickly overtake summer plots. Common aggressive species include pigweed, coffeeweed, crabgrass, and sicklepod. Research indicates that early-season weed control significantly improves plot survival and forage quality.

  • Strategies:
    • Prepare a clean seedbed before planting.
    • Use a pre-plant burndown herbicide for broadleaf weeds.
    • Apply selective grass herbicides in legume plots to prevent grass competition.

Tip: Controlling weeds early is far cheaper and more effective than trying to rescue a plot mid-summer.

Manage Browsing Pressure

Heavy deer and turkey pressure is a frequent challenge, especially in smaller plots. Research shows that small plots are more likely to be over-browsed, reducing overall plant survival.

  • Strategies:
    • Plant larger plots when possible.
    • Use fast-growing species like cowpeas, soybeans, and millet.
    • Mix in browse-tolerant species (such as American Jointvetch and Alyceclvoer), or use on their own
    • Temporary exclusion cages or fencing can protect seedlings until established.

Fertilization and Inoculation

Fertilization should be precise rather than heavy.

  • Legumes: Always inoculate seeds with the correct rhizobia strain. Studies in the Southeast have shown that inoculation significantly improves nitrogen fixation and yields, especially in soils with no prior legume history.
  • Nitrogen: Avoid N fertilization on legumes; it favors weeds over target plants.
  • Other nutrients: Apply P and K based on soil test results, splitting to reduce leaching from heavy rains.

Rethink Mowing

Summer mowing is generally counterproductive:

  • Reduces available forage for wildlife.
  • Stresses plants during heat and humidity extremes.
  • Encourages weed growth in weakened plots.

Research note: Studies show deer grazing often provides sufficient “mowing,” making manual mowing unnecessary unless weeds are clearly overtaking the plot.

Emphasize Plant Diversity

Plant diversity is one of the best defenses against summer extremes. Mixed-species plots:

  • Handle drought and flooding better.
  • Recover faster after heavy rains.
  • Provide forage over a longer season.
  • Increase insect activity, benefiting turkeys and pollinators.

Tip: Pair plots with native browse, pollinator strips, and quality edge cover. These features keep wildlife using the area consistently rather than visiting only when the plot is most palatable.

Plan for Fall Success

Summer plots should be part of a year-round strategy:

  • Overseeding: Crops like cowpeas and soybeans allow fall crops to be seeded into standing plants, conserving soil moisture.
  • Minimal soil disturbance: Maintaining intact soil during summer improves germination rates for fall plots, particularly during dry Septembers typical in Mississippi.
  • Do not clean the plate: Allow at least a portion of your Summer plots to not be re-planted in the Fall to allow for overlap with growing winter grops, and prevent wildlife from going weeks-to-months without high-quality forage.

Conclusion

Summer food plot success in Mississippi requires thoughtful planning, species selection, and proactive management. Soil testing, heat-adapted crops, early weed control, proper fertilization, and strategic plot design can significantly improve forage availability, plant survival, and wildlife use. By combining diverse plots with surrounding habitat features and planning for fall continuity, landowners can ensure productive, resilient summer food plots year after year.

 

For more wildlife management information, visit:

www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-management-info