Food Plots for Deer – Planting Milo/Grain Sorghum
Wildlife Benefits: Milo, or Grain Sorghum, is a great crop for pheasant and upland birds as well as deer and turkey. The Milo is a great food source for birds but also provides great cover for deer and turkey. In late season deer will feed on the grain when most other crops and food sources have been consumed.
Planting Benefits and Characteristics: Milo is typically more drought resistant and heat tolerant than other grains and crops including corn. For cooler or more humid temperatures corn is more commonly planted. Most varieties of Milo are between 2-4 feet in height when fully mature, wildlife such as deer will bed in Milo because of its sturdiness and its ability to offer protection. However not all deer will seek security in this crop.
Milo is also more beneficial than other crops such as corn, having more protein than corn. When mixed with other forage crops such as soybeans, the protein potential becomes even higher.
Based on studies by the University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin, the primary factor for growing success is attributed to heat at the right time. The study found that for maximum grain yield the average temperatures in the month of July needs to be at least 80 degrees – this a limiting factor for the Upper Midwest. In addition, to reach peak photosynthesis, day time temperatures should be at least 90 degrees. For peak grain setting, heading should be complete by early August.
When planning on getting your seed planted, soil temperatures should be at least 60-65 degrees for strong emergence. When considering planting locations, Milo can be planted in wetter soils where minor flooding can occur compared to corn.
How to Plant: For peak yield pre-treat with Round-up or Atrazine prior to planting to reduce completing foliage and weeds. Atrazine will kill soybeans, so if planting Milo and soybeans do not use Atrazine as it will remain in the soil. Many Milo seeds are safe to use with chemical weed suppressants, be sure to use the correct weed suppressant after germination.
Milo is usually planted 1” in heavier soils and up to 2” in sandier soils with no-tillage grain drills – followed by use of a cultipacker or corrugated roller. If you have access to seeding machinery for corn, this should be acceptable for grain sorghum. If soil prep is complete and nutrient levels are correct, Milo can jump ahead of the weeds and naturally suppress them.
If lacking heavy equipment, discing or tilling the soil to break it up will assist – followed by broadcasting seeds and dragging to cover.
Planting Rate: Roughly 25-30 pounds per acre, less if in more drought probable areas.
Nutrients: pH should be in a range of 6.0 to 6.5, use lime as necessary. At optimum heading, Milo can consume upwards of 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre, potassium and phosphorus are less than 15 pounds per acre each.
Since Milo loves nitrogen, tilling in 100 to 150 pounds or urea (46-0-0) prior to seeding will help to jump start the growth. A soil test will help determine the amount of potassium and phosphate needed prior to planting – soil conditions are similar to that of corn.
Resources: Alternative Field Crops Manual
P.R. Carter1, D.R. Hicks2, E.S. Oplinger1, J.D. Doll1, L.G. Bundy1, R.T. Schuler1, and B.J. Holmes1
1Depts. of Agronomy, Soil Science, and Agricultural Engineering, Cooperative Extension Service and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin -Madison, WI 53706.
2Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108. Nov. 1989.