How to Plant Food Plots with an ATV

Overview
Food plots are a vital part of wildlife management and provide a game attractant. Properly managed food plots supply improved nutritional value, breeding and bedding areas, survey opportunities and safety zones for the wildlife. Today's ATV market is steadily growing with more and more attachments for planting and managing food plots. These attachments make it easier to plant food plots, but there's still a great deal of preparation, planning and work that goes into producing a food plot.
Step 1
Prepare the site by testing the soil composition and clearing any trees. The soil must be capable of sustaining the seed that you intend to plant. You can obtain a soil test for less than $20 by sending a sample to Mossy Oak. For more information, go to www.mossyoakbiologic.com.
Step 2
Adjust the soil pH based on the results until you reach the proper pH for the seed. Send in additional soil tests as necessary. Obtaining the correct pH may take several attempts and is very important to the overall success of your food plot.
Step 3
Use an ATV and rake or mower attachment to clear brush and grass before planting. Work the soil with a disc plow attachment to loosen the ground as you prepare for planting. Several attempts may be necessary if you're planting a food plot on ground that has never been planted.
Step 4
Spread your desired seed using a seed spreader or ATV spreader attachment to the exact recommendations on the package or manual. Follow up by spreading fertilizer or lime. The fertilizer and lime help to maintain the pH levels that you achieved before the planting process.
Step 5
Continue to plant a food plot so the wildlife become accustomed to the area. You can rotate food plots to give year-round nutrition. Wildlife prefer variety, so be diverse in the plants and seeds you use.

Things You'll Need
Soil test
ATV rake/mower attachment
Disc plow attachment
Seed
Seed spreader
Fertilizer

Tips
Some seeds and plants require several applications of fertilizer.
Consider constructing a fence if you have cattle in the area. They can destroy a food plot before deer, turkeys and other game even discover it.

Warnings
Consult your local game laws regarding food plots and hunting next to food plots.