The importance of planning wildlife plots cannot be over emphasized. Careful planning can be the difference between successful plantings that provide quality nutrition and survival to wildlife in comparison to plots that offer very little or no benefit. Maximum production is not the top priority of food plots; therefore, variety selection is not critical. What is very important, however, is proper fertilization and weed control. The presence of some weeds actually benefits wildlife by providing additional cover and food, but too many weeds create excessive competition.

No soil is perfect. Rain and previous growth will remove nutrients and affect pH. Proper fertilization of wildlife food plots allow crops to grow fast and strong. Deficient soil nutrient levels result in weak and stunted plants. To determine the amount of fertilizer required for the food plot, a simple soil test is needed. The soil test will give a recommendation for the amount of fertilizer and lime to be applied for the specific crop to be planted.

AgSource Laboratories has created a soil analysis designed specifically for wildlife food plots. AgSource Lab's Wildlife Food Plot Kit involves collecting samples of soil from your food plots, filling out a form describing your plans for the plot, and mailing the samples to the lab for analysis. Once the lab makes an appraisal of the soil, you will receive a soil sample report containing the soil analysis results along with fertilizer and lime recommendations to maximize its growing potential. The results obtained from the Soil Test Report will tell you the pH (level of soil acidity), organic matter content, and phosphorus and potassium levels in the soil of your plot field. This valuable information will help you decide what to apply for lime, fertilizer and what crops to plant in each particular field based on pH; as some crops are more pH sensitive than others.