I was wondering what fertilizers u use for food plots? Do I need to look for a balanced 13-13-13? I saw at tractor supply had a 16-4-8 with lime? Anybody ever use this? And if so does it work? Thanks in advance.

Do you have a soil test? I was always told to use 250#-300# of 13-13-13 if no soil test. But that won't help if you need lime and a test will tell you that.

Agree with STX. Texas A&M Ag and most state recommend 13-13-13 200-300# acre if no soil test is available. If you do need lime, it will still help, but the plant intake (of fertilizer) wont be as high.


I'd pay $24 for the soil sample before I emptied my wallet for that 16-4-8. You will get the results usually within 10 days. and that will include recommendations.

Here is all the info you need to get the sample, including a downloadable request form(s) address, cost and "how too"
http://soiltesting.tamu.edu/

I would use a liquid fertlizer with a humic base, majority of pellet fertlizer contains na, ca or mg,these ions will bind up the soil and can hamper plant growth in some areas. I have done a lot of work with various soil types across Texas and the country and find this is a very common problem.

Just for basic shoot from the hip knowledge:

use a high P&K with sulfur for legumes, sulfur adds protein

if planting oats or wheat or something you want high N along with some P&K&S

if sandy soil add lime if tighter ground don't worry about it

BTW if you live in Taylor then don't buy the fertilizer from TSC go to Williamson County Grain and I guarantee you it'll be much cheaper there

Will go by wc grain. I never sent the soil off to get it tested. Bought a test from home depot to hope at least get an idea.

STX is right as usual.

You can get by with a soil test kit. It's not a legit TAMU test, but I assume you are not engineering the foundation for a high school football stadium.

http://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-1601-R...oil+testing+kit

I had one spot I had to add some lime, the other (few hundred yards away) was ph perfect. I just bought a small bag of lime from the feed store and raked it in. The lime takes water and time. I wouldn't expect it to make a difference the first plant.

I broadcast an even mix like a 13-13-13 when I sow and come back a few weeks after I get sprouts and liquid fertilize.

Just fyi, I've been doing this in the Spring and Fall for about three years. It works about 50% of the time. Without rain it's a bust.

that will suit your needs just fine