Those soil tests recommendations for nitrogen are given for a set “yield” from the standpoint of producing an ag crop. We’re not really worried about that. Our concern is producing winter forage for deer to eat. That means keeping the cereal grains lush and growing during the fall/winter months. Not all, but nearly every plot I’ve seen during the last month has been nitrogen deficient. Your field can’t run all season just on what is put out at planting. With the soil that most of us are dealing with we’ll go N deficient after about 6 weeks depending on the rain. We want the field actively growing…….not struggling and turning colors (yellow, purple, red).

I would recommend to try some cereal rye next year. It grows faster and at lower temps than other cereal grains. I’m going to a mix of cereal rye and oats for my cereal grains. Add 50 lbs of 33-0-0 at planting and 100 lbs of 33-0-0 at 6 weeks after planting. I added 50 and then 75 this year. To just completely maximize my growth, I could have really added another dusting here toward the end of the season. I’m starting to see some yellows in the field. We've had a chit load of rain though so some leaching is to be expected. Deer like it best when its lush and deep green.