Sowing and maintaining your wildlife field

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

Seed mixtures are composed of many different varieties and species, and several varieties are found in different mixtures for both game birds and deer, such as red clover, white clover, crimson clover, alfalfa, vetch, lupine, and others in 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 in these cases, it is crucial that the seedbed is in good condition, as many species will otherwise not survive, and the game cover mixture will not achieve the desired result!

The seedbed can be cleaned mechanically or chemically, and both methods can be very effective. Mechanical cleaning is done by harrowing the seedbed from April until the time of sowing. The disadvantages of mechanical cleaning include the risk of drying out the seedbed, which can result in insufficient moisture in the soil for the seeds to germinate. If you choose to use chemicals instead, the workflow is significantly shorter. Here, you can plow the seedbed in early spring, harrow it once to level the soil, and spray it with glyphosate immediately before sowing.

Regardless of the method you choose, we always recommend getting a soil sample of the seedbed, as this will show what the soil needs for an optimal result. Typically, calcium and nitrogen will be deficient, both of which are important elements for a successful game field.

The seeding time is often predetermined by the composition of the wildlife mixture. However, as a general rule, we 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 instructions for seeding 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 seeding rate.

Finally, we recommend fertilizing before sowing with 20-30 kg NPG or 21-3-10 per 1000 sqm. Fertilization can optionally be repeated when the plants are 10-20 cm tall to give an extra boost to growth. Remember that fertilization should be done under dry conditions, preferably after midday, so that the plants are dry. When fertilizing early in the morning or after rain, you risk damaging the plants through the nitrogen in the NPK fertilizer, which will settle on the plant itself during spreading.

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

In terms of weed control, you can either choose a mechanical or chemical approach. The mechanical method involves tilling the soil, which should be done from April until planting. If you choose the chemical method, the seedbed can be plowed in early spring, tilled once to level the soil, and sprayed with glyphosate just before planting. Remember, it's important that the tilling is done at least 4 weeks before planting, so that the seed bank brought to the surface by plowing/tilling has had time to germinate, otherwise the spraying will be futile.

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

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

Remember that the best game field is one tailored to the specific needs and conditions in your area, so don't be afraid to experiment and adapt this advice to your specific circumstances. Have fun with your project!