I'll second the suggestion to planting strips of various plants. They each have their benefits.

I am planting a mix of about 20% corn, 50% soybeans, and 30% grain sorghum. I'm going over the top with some clover.

I like the visual cover and energy the corn will provide, the drought tolerance of the grain sorghum, and the protein of the beans. The clover is for a ground cover and protein. I realize this is a bit non-traditional, but it can all go in together with a no-till drill to save time and $.

My food plots this year will be no-til seeded into pasture sod I treat with Round Up. The soil is low in nitrogen but OK in P and K. Soil pH is about 6.5. I will gradually improve soil fertility in the future. The farm is new to me and I have to depend upon the farmer's schedule to get things planted.

All together, I am planning five food plots on this 800 acre lease. My hope is that the deer will leave the plots alone long enough to get well established.

Good luck!

LLBUX