1. Have you tested the soil ph?
2. Can you get lime to the plot?

Also, what surrounds the area? You likely can't consider it another food source at the 1/4 acre size you have mentioned. You'll want to plant some sort of fall annual to have it be the best benefit. I would highly recomend going to a feed store and getting some oats. They grow just about anywhere and they don't cost much. Plant them in the end of August with rain in the forecast and you will be surprised at how well they will do. I have used them in just about any setting you can imagine.