Dove Proso Millet
Dove proso millet produces an abundance of seed that are highly attractive to quail, dove and pheasant when planted on upland sites and to ducks when planted in areas that can be flooded. It develops a unique seed head that features staggered maturity. Seed mature over a period of time beginning from the top of the seed head and moving downward. As the seed ripen, they dislodge and drop to the ground allowing fresh seed to be available over an extended period of time. Dove proso seed resist mold, thus increasing their attractiveness to doves, pheasant, quail and ducks. Seed reach maturity in approximately 75 to 100 days after plant emergence. It is well suited for planting in mixes with sunflowers, grain sorghum and other millet species.
TYPE: warm season annual grass
USES: To provide food for dove, turkey and quail. To plant around water edges and in waterfowl impoundments to provide food for ducks.
Sizes:
Food Plot Map Tool
Planting:
Method: Choose a well-drained site that receives a minimum of 8 hours of full sun daily. Prepare a clean, smooth and firm seedbed by plowing and dragging the soil. Fertilizer and lime can be applied during this step to incorporate it into the soil. Plant with a drill or broadcast seed evenly across the soil surface and incorporate it using a culti-packer or by shallow disking (1/2 - 1"deep) when soil moisture is adequate for good germination. Care should be taken to ensure seed are planted at the proper depth. If seed are disked in, the use of a culti-packer or roller after seeding ensures good seed/soil contact and improves stand emergence.
Seeding Date: In the spring after danger of frost when soil temperatures stabilize at 65 F or higher at a 4" soil depth through late summer. (For dove and duck attraction, plant approximately 75 - 100 days prior to hunting season.)
Seeding Rate: 20 - 30 lbs. per acre alone; 10 - 20 lbs. per acre in mixes
Depth: 1/4" - 1/2" (stand failures will result from seed planted too shallow or too deep).
Fertilizer: Soil testing is highly recommended. Liming to a pH of 6.0 - 6.5 and providing adequate levels of potassium and phosphorus are necessary to ensure a productive food plot. See your local county extension office for soil sampling assistance. In the absence of a soil test, apply 400 - 600 lbs. per acre 10-10-10 (10 - 15 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.) or equivalent fertilizer and 1 ton/acre ag lime (50 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.). Apply fertilizer just prior to seeding. If practical, apply lime a minimum of 3 months ahead of planting.
Management:
Control damaging insects: Monitor dove proso millet plantings weekly throughout the summer months for damaging insect presence (worms, aphids, chinch bugs, etc.). If insects are found and feeding damage is significant, an appropriate insecticide should be applied. The local university extension office can provide information on treatment thresholds and recommended insecticides. Note: When using pesticides, carefully read and follow all label guidelines for mixing, applying and personal safety.
Special Consideration: Some game birds are federally regulated. Read and follow all federal and state regulations regarding field management/preparation for hunting.
Tips for Successful Food Plots:
1. Every successful food plot begins with a soil test. Most woodland soils have low pH and low fertility. A soil test will tell you how much fertilizer and lime is needed. Information on taking a soil test can be obtained from your local county extension office.
2. Spend the extra time necessary to properly prepare the soil by plowing, smoothing and firming the ground. Planting on a weed free, smooth and firm seedbed that allows good seed-soil contact is essential for a thick, productive forage stand.
3. Plant seed at the proper seeding depth. Planting too shallow or too deep can result in stand failure. Seed mixes containing small seeded legumes and forbs should not be seeded deeper than 1/4 inch. Use a cultipacker, log or a light drag to firm the soil after planting.
4. When selecting a wildlife food plot site, choose an area that is long and narrow with curves or bends in it. This provides a sense of comfort and safety for wildlife. When developing food plots, a good rule of thumb is to plant 2.5 to 7 acres of food plots for every 100 acres of habitat.
5. Avoid droughty sites such as eroded hillsides or shallow, rocky soils. Southwest facing slopes are hotter in the summer and tend to dry out faster than bottom land.
6. A minimum of 50% full sunshine is essential for a healthy and productive food plot. Morning sun is better than afternoon sun for summer game food plots. The reverse is generally true in the winter.
