Austrian winter pea is a cool-season annual legume that is highly preferred by deer. It is a high-quality forage and protein content ranges from 14% to over 20%. It begins growing very early in the spring and can be one of the earliest forages on your food plot. As a result, it can be especially important to help deer recover from winter conditions.
Austrian winter pea site requirements
It grows best on well drained loam or sandy loam with a pH near 7.0. Winter peas are best suited for warm climates; they will not tolerate extreme winter temperatures and they are not suitable for northern regions.
Plant Austrian winter peas with other legumes
This forage can be overgrazed easily and should not be planted on food plots less than 3 to 5 acres in size, depending on the density of deer in your area. Winter peas should be mixed with other legumes. The following are examples of forage mixtures that include Austrian winter peas:
Austrian winter peas, Ladino clover, Alyceclover and American jointvetch
Austrian winter pea, oats or winter wheat, and a brassica (e.g., forage rape)
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