where in SE WI????

First get some soil samples. In a clean bucket mix 6-10 clean core samples from about 6" depth, from different areas of the field/plot. You can pick up soil sample forms and bags from the county extension office. I got mine At the Waukesha county courthouse. You put about 2 cups in the sample bag and return in to the extension office. Fill out the form as a farmer would, as if you were to put alfalfa in for a 4 year rotation and expecting about a 3 ton annual yield.

One general soil sample test is $11.50. the report mailed to you will tell you soil PH, ammount of lime recommended to increase to soil ph to 6.8, and the phosphorus and potassium requirements. This is just a guide to help get soil in the best quality to grow the best tasteing deer attractant.

The goal is to make your plots taste better than the farmers you are competing with. It all starts with the soil. What you plant depends on can depend on what time of year you want to attract the deer. Winter rye, wheat, oats planted in september for a fall, spring attractant. Clovers planted in spring for a year round draw. On small plots soybeans or corn could be over browsed and destroyed. Will you be planting annually or a prennial field that will last several years.? Your equiptment available for prepping and maintaining the plots is a factor too. Mowing a clover patch 3 times per year helps control weeds.

My Waukesha soil has a PH of 6.4, and recommend 2.5 ton/acre of lime, 65 lbs Phosphorus and 175 lbs Potassium per acre. Personally, since I'm not planting alphalfa, I will be adding only a little high magnesium lime to the clover plots, and about 75% of the recommended P and K.