Soybeans for deer food plots

By Matt Tarr, Whitetail Stewards, Inc.

Soybeans (Glycine max)

(view a picture of a stand of soybeans, view a picture of soybean pods)

Soybeans are warm-season annual legumes that are high in protein (20% to 40% protein) and are highly digestible (about 60%).  They provide an excellent food source in summer and early-fall.  They are highly preferred by deer, and the foliage, stems and beans are eaten readily.  As a result, soybeans are very susceptible to overgrazing and shouldn't be planted on food plots less that 3 to 5 acres in size depending on the deer density in your area.  

Soybean site requirements

Soybeans will grow on a wide range of soil conditions, but they grow best on well-drained soils.  They will not tolerate drought however, so forage production may be low if planted on sandy or gravelly soils.  Soil pH should be between 5.8 and 7.0.

Soybean varieties

Soybeans are literally available in hundreds of varieties, and they have been developed to grow in nearly every region of the U.S.  Seeds developed in one region will not grow outside of that region, so be sure that your seed dealer knows where you will be growing your seeds.  Ask for varieties that have been developed for forage production, mature late in the summer, and have few hairs on the stems.  

Stagger soybean plantings on large plots

When planting soybeans alone in large plots, instead of planting the entire plot at one time, consider separating the plot in sections and staggering plantings in each section about two weeks apart.  This will provide a continuous supply of soybeans that will reach maturity at different times throughout the growing season and maximize the benefit to deer.

Plant soybeans with other forages

In most cases, you can reduce chances of overgrazing and provide a greater benefit to deer by planting soybeans in a mixture with other forages.  The following are suggested forage mixtures that include soybeans.

• soybeans, forage sorghum and corn
• soybeans, alyceclover and American jointvetch
• soybeans and yellow sweetclover
• soybeans and hairy vetch or bigflower vetch
• soybeans, cowpeas, and oats or wheat (this mixture would be planted in early fall and would be great for attracting deer to a hunting food plot)

Want more information?

Click on any of links below for more information about soybeans:

Forages of Texas: Soybean - Texas Cooperative Extension

Soybean production in Pennsylvania - Penn State University

Soybean - Penn State Agronomy Guide - Penn State University

Roundup Ready soybeans - Union of Concerned Scientists

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