It All Starts with the Soil
Everything we do above ground depends on what’s happening beneath it.
If your soil isn’t healthy, nothing you plant will ever reach its full potential.
Most guys know about soil pH — shoot for that 6.0 to 7.0 range, with 6.5 being the sweet spot. But pH is just the beginning. The real story is what’s happening with your soil’s balance of nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms. Those are what feed the plants that feed your deer.
Think of it this way — in animal nutrition, you can’t just dump protein in front of a deer and expect great results. You need balance. The right minerals. The right fiber. The same goes for your soil. Organic matter is the “fiber” that keeps it healthy, creating space for air and moisture while giving microbes a place to live. And those microbes? They’re the “gut health” of your ground — breaking down organic material and making nutrients available to your plants.
When soil has the right balance — pH, organic matter, structure, and microbial life — you get strong germination, healthy roots, and forages that grow the way they’re meant to.
Soil Texture and Structure
Not all soil is built the same.
Texture is what your soil’s made of — sand, silt, and clay. That mix determines how water and air move through it. Sandy soils drain fast but don’t hold nutrients well. Clay holds moisture but can compact easily. Somewhere in between is usually the sweet spot.
Structure is how those particles clump together. Good structure means your soil is loose, crumbly, and full of pore space — the tiny pockets that hold air and water. That’s where roots breathe and grow. Compacted, crusted soil? It’s like concrete for your seeds. Air can’t move. Water can’t soak in. Roots can’t dig deep. And plants struggle before they ever get going.
Organic Matter: The Engine of Healthy Soil
Organic matter might only make up a small percentage of your soil, but it’s the difference between thriving food plots and ones that just survive. It’s what holds nutrients in place, improves water retention, and reduces compaction.
When you leave residue on top of your soil or plant high-residue crops, you’re feeding that organic matter. When you over-till or pull silage off every year, you’re robbing it. Over time, that shows up as weaker stands, poor moisture retention, and a constant uphill battle to grow strong forage.
It’s All About the Roots
Too many people judge success by what they see above the ground. The truth is, healthy plants start with healthy roots.
Back in 2016, we planted our educational plots during a dry stretch. The top growth was slow, but below the surface, those roots were getting established — thanks in part to root stimulators and growth promoters. Once the rain hit, the plots exploded. That experience drove home one of the biggest lessons: build a strong root system early, and you’ll be ready when the weather turns in your favor.
Strong roots do more than hold the plant upright. They pull in moisture and nutrients, reduce compaction, and help the plant handle stress. If your plots aren’t performing the way you expect, start by looking underground.
Keys to Healthy Soil and Productive Forages
-
Proper Soil pH (6.0–7.0)
This range gives your plants the best shot at absorbing nutrients. Staying balanced keeps your forages more palatable and more nutritious — two things every deer manager should care about. -
High Organic Matter
Leave residue when you can and build that organic layer year after year. It holds nutrients and moisture, reduces runoff, and protects your soil from compaction and erosion. -
Balanced Fertility Program
You can’t take out more than you put in. If your fields are short on nitrogen, potassium, or sulfur, they’ll show it. On the flip side, dumping too much phosphorus or overloading one nutrient can cause just as many issues. Everything in the soil works in balance — get that balance right, and your plants will tell the story. -
Micronutrients Matter
Small elements like zinc, manganese, copper, boron, and cobalt might not sound exciting, but they’re crucial for stress reduction and nutrient uptake. Even a few pounds per acre can make a big difference in protein and energy levels. -
Don’t Forget Sulfur
Around 80% of soils in the U.S. are low in sulfur, which is critical for nitrogen conversion and plant sweetness — especially in brassicas. Products like ammonium sulfate can help, improving both plant health and forage quality for the deer that depend on it.
Bottom line:
Healthy soil builds healthy roots. Healthy roots grow healthy plants. And healthy plants feed healthy deer.
If you start with the soil, everything else falls into place.