Chufa, a warm-season perennial sedge, is not only highly nutritious for humans but also a delicacy for wild turkeys. The small tubers produced by the chufa plants underground are what turkeys truly crave. Once they discover these hidden treats, they keep coming back for more. With its exceptional nutritional value, chufa is undoubtedly one of the most effective food plot options for turkeys and turkey hunters.
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How to Plant Chufa
Before planting chufa, it is important to create a weed-free environment. Begin by working the ground and preparing a good seed bed. Disking the soil adequately should suffice, but for optimal results, plow the ground and then run a disc over it. If weeds appear, immediate spraying is necessary, as chufa struggles to compete with most weeds.
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To ensure optimum growth, take soil samples to determine the necessary soil conditions. The soil pH should ideally be between 6 and 7. Apply lime if needed. In the absence of a soil sample, apply approximately 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre or 13-13-13 fertilizer.
When it comes to planting, there are various methods available. You can choose to spread the seeds with a broadcaster and disk them in, use a no-till drill, plant them with a row planter, or any other method that provides good seed-to-soil contact. For drilling, plant at a rate of 40 to 45 pounds per acre, and for broadcasting, increase the rate to 50 to 55 pounds per acre. This will ensure good coverage and maximum germination.
When is the Best Time to Plant Chufa?
Once the chufa seeds are planted, they require around 100 to 120 days to reach maturity. Therefore, it is advisable to plant chufa during the warmer months when soil temperatures remain above 65 degrees for proper germination and growth.
In the Deep South, it is recommended to plant chufa from the beginning of April to the beginning of June. Along the middle latitudes of the country, the ideal planting time is from early May to the end of June. Northern states should wait until late May or June to plant. In most cases, with sufficient rainfall, chufa can be planted until late July, but this depends on the specific seed, rain, and temperature conditions.
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Once the chufa plant matures, turkeys will feed on it throughout late fall, winter, and early spring, making it an excellent food source for holding turkeys during the early part of the spring season.
Where is the Best Location to Plant Chufa?
While chufa can be a bit tricky to grow, it generally thrives in areas where corn grows well. It prefers sandy soil, making the Deep South, including states like South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, ideal for chufa cultivation. Some have also had success planting chufa further north, although it may not be as productive. In the northern states, many turkey hunters opt for clover as their primary food plot option for turkeys.
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Source: https://t-tees.com
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