NCBloodtrailer

Is over fertilizing a plot a problem...say a product states 100 lbs of 13-13-13 per 1/4 acre and I use double that. Will that be an issue? Is it better to be a little heavy or a little light on fertilizer (If an exact measurement isn't possible)?

gmil6184

I'm pretty sure with fertilizer there can be "too much of a good thing". You are probably better off splitting the fertilizer up. maybe put half of that down when you plant and then a month later putting the other half out. I'm still new to food plots too so maybe someone with a little more experience can confirm or refute that.

hossdaniels

You could do a soil test and see what it needs. Other than that its a crap shoot, 400lbs of triple 13 per acre is a fairly high rate, no way I would double that blind.

Soilman

In general, overfertilization by 2x once will not hurt your plot. However, you will pay more for fertilizer, increase the risk of your nutrients entering the water, and risk stimulating weed growth. If you can work in your fertilizer, you are in a low fertility upland area, going a little heavy with P and K (2x is too much year after year though) for a few years is generally not problem. Do not worry about being a little over or a little under, just try to be close to the recommended amounts (10%-20% over under will make little difference). Try not to greatly overfertilize with N, it will stimulate grass growth and can not be banked by the soil. Ditto Hoss on the soil sample, check about every 3-4 years, and do not over apply (25%+) if/when you have high P & K fertility. Splitting applications is a good idea if the fertilizer can not be worked into the soil.