Quick Answer
Planting waterfowl crops typically occurs in late summer and early fall for moist-soil management, and in late winter to early spring for green tree reservoirs.
Timing for Moist-Soil Management
Moist-soil management involves planting crops such as corn, millet, and rice in late summer to early fall, usually between late August and early September. This allows the crops to mature and go to seed before winter, providing a critical food source for waterfowl during the winter months. A common practice is to plant a mix of cool-season and warm-season crops to provide a diverse food source for waterfowl throughout the winter.
Timing for Green Tree Reservoirs
Green tree reservoirs involve flooding timbered areas to create a habitat for waterfowl. The best time to plant crops in these areas is in late winter to early spring, usually between late February and early March. This allows the crops to grow and mature before the summer heat sets in, providing a critical food source for waterfowl during the spring and summer months. The most common crops planted in green tree reservoirs include aquatic plants such as cattails and water lilies.
Water Control and Crop Management
Effective water control is critical for managing waterfowl crops. A typical water control structure for a moist-soil management unit might include a series of gates and pumps that allow water to be managed to specific depths and durations. For example, the water level might be raised to 6-8 inches above the soil surface to promote germination, and then lowered to 2-3 inches to allow the crops to mature. By carefully managing the water level, land managers can create the ideal conditions for waterfowl crops to grow and thrive.
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