I agree its nice to see somone taking a big picture approach...but you have a lot of reading ahead of you.

I would do a trip to a good library and use the library search computer.

Many times, especially on line, people become very focused on one specifi outcome and then believe that is "Wildlife Management". I would suggest you look at your study like a funnel. At the mouth of the funnel you have books on plants, animals, soils, ....the whole ecology.

As you progress down, you can focus on Quail, or deer, or furbearers or what have you as your interests dictate.

My approch has involved study of native and introduced as well as invasive and exotic species, understanding of bio diversity as relates to ecosystem vibrancy, soils and soil and water management, native animals, etc.

What you will discover is that if we attempt to do nothing but manipulate the ecosystem/farm/ranch for one specific goal, you can throw it out of balance for other potential species.

But, if you take a long term view and focus on a building diversity of habitat approach...essentially undoing the bad stuff that has been done by man...and replacing it with naturally occuring and benefitial plants, you can accomplish far more.

Food plots are not a wildlife management approch, they are more designed to assist in attracting and holding specific species however, reintroducing appropriate food componants may be a very important part of a broad sweeping habitat plan.

Good luck!