Planting soybeans is widely acknowledged as one of the most effective warm-season food plot strategies for attracting, nourishing, and sustaining whitetail deer. Offering superb nutritional value, year-round forage, and unmatched palatability, soybeans can be transformative when managed correctly. This comprehensive guide—from site selection to maintenance—ensures food plot success and deeper wildlife health.
Why Deer Prefer Soybeans
High protein content: Most forage soybean varieties deliver 25–35% protein—ideal for antler growth, milk production, and overall health. Soybean seeds for deer are particularly beneficial in supporting these health needs.
Palatable foliage and beans: Young leaves draw early-season feeding, while mature beans satisfy fall carbohydrate needs.
Continuous attraction: Soybeans serve as a magnet during spring, summer, fall, and into early winter.
Inoculation with an N-fixing rhizobial inoculant (code S) before planting enhances nitrogen fixation and protein levels.
Opt for glyphosate-tolerant (Round‑Up Ready) soybeans to allow post-emergent weed control without damaging soybeans.
When & How to Plant
Ideal Planting Window
Region
Best Planting Time
Soil Temp at Planting
Northern U.S.
Late May – Early June
≥ 55–60°F
Central U.S.
Mid‑May – Late May
≥ 55–60°F
Deep South
Mid‑April – Late May
≥ 60°F
General rule: plant soybean seeds for deer after last frost when soil is warm and after rainfall. Rainfall prior to seeding boosts germination—act fast ahead of forecasted wet weather.
Seed Depth, Rate & Row Spacing
Plant 1–1.5 inches deep for optimal germination.
Drilling: 45–55 lbs/acre; broadcasting: 70–80 lbs/acre. Adjust if mixing species.
Row spacing around 15‑30 inches ensures full canopy and deer access.
Soil Prep & Tillage
Conventional tilling helps seedbed creation; alternatively, no‑till planting preserves soil moisture and structure, especially useful on marginal soils.
If planting no‑till, mow or burn down previous vegetation and plant directly. This method preserves topsoil and reduces erosion.
Weed Control & Early Plot Management
If using glyphosate-tolerant soybean seeds for deer, apply glyphosate when plants reach 10–15 inches tall. This controls weeds while allowing the soybean crop to flourish.
Use AMS (ammonium sulfate) in spray tank to improve glyphosate efficacy in hard water and include a non‑ionic surfactant at 0.5–1.0%.
For non-resistant varieties, pre-emergent or mechanical weed control may be needed.
Maintenance Throughout the Season
Monitor growth: deer often browse heavily during green-up and early summer.
For heavy early grazing pressure: consider rotational plot designs, leave buffer areas, or incorporate temporary exclusion fencing.
In dual-purpose plantings (forage + bean yield), some managers delay deer access using temporary fencing or selective repellents to allow tail buds to develop.
Harvesting & Mixed Use Benefits
For pure forage value: let deer feed naturally through the season—even if it means no bean yield.
For bean harvest: wait until pods mature and leaves yellow before deer removal. Beans offer fall nutrition and potential seed harvest.
Mixed plantings: combine soybeans with brassicas, cereals, or peas to extend attraction across seasons.
Overbrowsing: small plots in high-density areas can be consumed early, leaving nothing by peak season.
Less effective near large agricultural fields where alternative food sources compete.
Requires planning around timing, herbicide use, management resources.
Advanced Techniques & Enhancements
Crop Rotation & Double Cropping
In longer-season regions: follow soybeans with cool-season plantings (e.g., brassicas or winter grains) to maintain year-round forage.
Soil Conservation
No‑till drilling significantly reduces erosion and preserves soil structure over multiple seasons. Ideal for landowners concerned about soil health.
Using Food Plot Seed Blends
Consider combining soybeans with other legumes (crops like peas or lablab) or cereals like oats for broader nutritional diversity and extended feeding.
Monitoring, Adjustment & Seasonal Review
Track deer use via trail cameras, browse lines, and plot condition.
Note successful germination, weed pressure, timing of consumption, and plant mortality.
Adjust next year’s plan: increase acreage, delay opening, mix species, or adjust planting timing based on observations.
Summary Table: Best Practices at a Glance
Step
Best Practice
Soil prep
Test pH & nutrients; adjust pH ≥ 6.0
Seed and variety
Use forage soybean, inoculated, glyphosate-tolerant
Planting timing
After last frost; soil ≥ 55–60°F; before rainfall
Planting method
Drill (45‑55 lbs/acre) or broadcast (70‑80 lbs)
Weed control
Glyphosate post‑emergence for tolerant soybeans
Browse management
Consider plots ≥2 acres; fencing or staggered access
