Why Soybeans Belong in Your Food Plot Strategy

When it comes to planting high-value wildlife forage, food plot soybeans consistently rank among the most productive and versatile options for deer, turkey, upland birds, and even small mammals. They offer a rare combination of high-protein forage during the growing season and energy-rich grain during fall and winter. This makes them a year-round attractant capable of improving herd health, supporting antler growth, and increasing hunting success.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make your food plot soybeans thrive—from soil prep to planting, protecting, and managing your plots for peak performance.

Understanding Food Plot Soybeans

Food plot soybeans differ from standard agricultural varieties because they are often selected for forage production, extended green growth, and the ability to withstand heavy grazing pressure.

Nutritional Profile

  • Protein: 25–30% in green forage
  • Energy: High fat content in pods (ideal for late-season deer feeding)
  • Digestibility: Young leaves and pods are highly digestible, making them attractive throughout the growing cycle.

Wildlife Attraction

  • Deer: Love the lush, tender leaves in summer and the high-fat beans in winter.
  • Turkey & Upland Birds: Consume mature beans and benefit from insect-rich foliage.
  • Small Game: Rabbits and ground-feeding birds find cover and feed in dense soybean plots.

Soil Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

Before planting food plot soybeans, proper soil preparation is critical.

  1. Soil Testing:
    Test for pH, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at least 3–6 months before planting. Soybeans prefer a pH of 6.0–7.0.
  2. Lime Application:
    Apply agricultural lime if pH is below the desired range.
  3. Fertilization:
    Since soybeans are legumes, they produce their own nitrogen with the help of rhizobia bacteria. Focus on P and K for strong root and pod development.
  4. Inoculation:
    Always inoculate seeds with the correct soybean-specific inoculant to ensure optimal nitrogen fixation.

Choosing the Right Seed Type

There are two main categories of soybeans for food plots:

  • Forage-Type Food Plot Soybeans: Taller plants, more leafy biomass, longer growing period, and higher grazing tolerance.
  • Agricultural-Type Soybeans: Designed for high grain yield but can be vulnerable to overbrowsing in small plots.

Pro Tip: In areas with high deer density, choose forage varieties or plant larger plots to withstand browsing pressure.

Planting Food Plot Soybeans

Timing

  • Northern Regions: Late May to early June.
  • Southern Regions: April to early July.
  • Aim to plant when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F.

Seeding Rate & Depth

  • Drilled: 40–50 lbs per acre.
  • Broadcast: 60–70 lbs per acre (increase to compensate for lower germination).
  • Depth: 1–1.5 inches.

Equipment

  • Grain drills for precise planting depth and seed spacing.
  • Broadcast spreaders for smaller-scale plots (followed by cultipacking for good seed-to-soil contact).

Plot Size & Location

Food plot soybeans do best in:

  • Larger plots (over 1 acre) to reduce overbrowsing.
  • Full sun locations for maximum photosynthesis.
  • Well-drained soils to prevent root disease.

If small food plots are your only option, consider:

  • Planting alongside less attractive species early in the season.
  • Using temporary electric fencing to allow soybeans to establish before opening them to browsing.

Weed Control & Maintenance

Soybeans compete poorly with weeds early in growth.

  • Use glyphosate-tolerant varieties if planning herbicide control.
  • Apply a pre-emergent herbicide like imazethapyr (where legal) to control broadleaf weeds and grasses.
  • Mow surrounding field edges to limit weed seed dispersal.

Protecting Young Soybeans from Overbrowsing

Young soybean plants are highly palatable. Heavy grazing can wipe out a plot before it establishes.

Protection Strategies:

  • Temporary electric fencing (two-strand offset works well for deer).
  • Liquid repellents applied at planting and re-applied after rain.
  • Planting larger acreages or multiple plots to distribute grazing pressure.

Seasonal Wildlife Benefits

Spring/Summer:
High-protein forage supports lactating does, growing fawns, and velvet antler development.

Fall:
Green leaves attract deer until frost. Early pods begin to mature, adding an energy-rich food source.

Winter:
Dry soybean pods become critical high-energy feed during late-season hunts, often drawing deer from surrounding miles.

Mixing & Rotating Food Plot Crops

To create a more resilient and attractive habitat:

  • Mix soybeans with corn for both forage diversity and structural cover.
  • Rotate soybeans with clover or brassicas to break pest cycles and improve soil fertility.
  • Add cereal grains (wheat, oats, rye) for winter coverage.