Spring Food Plot Prep - Soil Tests, Seed Blends & Smarter Food Plots

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of soil tests in preparing food plots for hunting and offers practical strategies for improving soil health.

Spring is the perfect time to start preparing food plots for next fall’s hunting season—but the most important step happens before you ever plant a seed. In this episode of Huntin’ Land , host Joe Baya sits down with Caleb Weaver from Southern Seed & Feed to break down how soil tests can completely change the way you approach food plots. They start with the basics of reading a soil test and explain why numbers like pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, CEC, and organic matter matter more than most hunters realize. Many landowners spend thousands of dollars on seed and fertilizer without ever testing their soil, which often means they’re wasting money or growing weaker plants than their property could support. Caleb explains how correcting soil pH with lime can dramatically improve plant nutrition uptake, why organic matter is critical for water retention during summer droughts, and how better soil structure leads to healthier plants and stronger wildlife nutrition. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for building better soil over time using plant choices like clovers, buckwheat, cowpeas, sorghum, and other summer crops that improve root structure and…

People in this episode

Host: Joe Baya

Guest: Caleb Weaver

Topics covered

• food plots
• soil tests
• hunting preparation
• plant nutrition
• wildlife management

Keywords

• food plots
• soil tests
• hunting land
• plant nutrition
• wildlife nutrition
• summer crops
• deer density

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southern Seed & Feed

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