Sowing and maintenance of your game crop

Creating a wildlife habitat requires not only understanding its purpose and choosing the right plants. It also requires knowing how to prepare your seedbed and sow your plants. It is crucial that the seedbed is clean and of good quality.

Seed mixtures are comprised of many different varieties and species, with several varieties found in different mixtures for both game birds and deer, such as red clover, white clover, crimson clover, lucerne, vetch, lupin, and others from the legume family. These varieties absorb nitrogen from the air and fix it in the soil, which has a positive effect on the seedbed going forward. The diversity in some mixtures is also relatively broad, and here it is crucial that the seedbed is in order, as many species will otherwise not survive, and the game cover mixture will not achieve the desired result!

The seedbed can be cleared either mechanically or chemically, and both methods can be very effective. Mechanical clearing is done by harrowing the seedbed, from April up to the sowing time. The disadvantages of mechanical clearing include the risk of drying out the seedbed, which can result in insufficient moisture in the soil for the seeds to germinate. If chemical means are chosen instead, the workflow is considerably shorter. Here, the seedbed can be ploughed in early spring, harrowed once to level the soil, and sprayed with glyphosate immediately before sowing.

Regardless of the method you choose, we always recommend having a soil sample taken of the seedbed, as this will show what the soil needs to achieve optimal results. Typically, lime and nitrogen will be deficient, both of which are important elements for a successful wildlife margin.

The sowing time is often predetermined by the composition of the game mix. However, as a general rule, we would always recommend sowing as late as possible. This is because many varieties require a soil temperature of at least 10 degrees, and higher temperatures have a positive impact on germination.

It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for sowing rates. If too much is sown, competition for water, light, and nutrients between individual varieties will increase. If too little is sown, unnecessary space will be given to weeds. Therefore, be careful with the sowing rate.

Finally, we recommend fertilising before sowing with 20-30 kg NPG or 21-3-10 per 1000 sqm. Fertilisation can optionally be repeated when the plants are 10-20 cm tall, to give an extra boost to growth. Remember that fertilisation should be carried out under dry conditions, preferably after midday, so that the plants are dry. When fertilising early in the morning or after rain, there is a risk of damaging the plants via the nitrogen in the NPK fertiliser, which will settle on the plant itself during spreading.

A green manure of pure legumes such as alfalfa, clover species, vetch, etc., can advantageously be fertilised with a PK fertiliser that does not contain nitrogen. This is an important tip to remember, as it can be crucial for the plant's survival and growth.

With regards to weed control, you can either choose a mechanical or a chemical approach. The mechanical method involves harrowing the soil, which should be done from April until sowing. If you choose the chemical method, the seedbed can be ploughed in early spring, harrowed once to level the soil, and sprayed with glyphosate just before sowing. Remember that it is important for the harrowing to have been carried out a minimum of 4 weeks before sowing, so that the seed bank brought to the surface by ploughing/harrowing has been allowed to germinate; otherwise, the spraying will be futile.

It is important to stress that both mechanical and chemical methods can be effective, and the choice between them often depends more on personal preferences or political opinions than on objective differences in effectiveness.

Creating and maintaining a wildlife plot is a process that requires time, care, and knowledge. However, with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience that not only benefits the wildlife in your area but also provides a sense of satisfaction and connection to nature. So whether you're an experienced hunter, a hobby gardener, or simply a nature lover, these tips can help you make the most of your wildlife plot.

Remember that the best wildlife cover is that which is tailored to the specific needs and conditions of your area, so don't be afraid to experiment and adapt this advice to your specific circumstances. Good luck with your project!