About
About Food Plot Calculator
Food Plot Calculator is a reference tool for planning deer food plots. Enter a plot size and crop and it returns the seed, bags, and lime you need — along with the seeding rates, planting windows, and pH targets behind every number.
Where the numbers come from
Every seeding rate, planting window, and pH target is compiled from established agricultural and wildlife sources, then cross-checked for consistency. Primary references include:
- National Deer Association (NDA) food plot species profiles
- University of Tennessee Extension — PB1874, the Landowner's Guide to Wildlife Food Plots
- Mississippi State University Deer Lab
- NC State Extension forage planting guides
- Seed-company rate guides, used as a cross-check where extension data is limited
Where sources disagree, university extension data is favored over commercial recommendations.
How the calculator works
The math is transparent. A crop's recommended broadcast (or drilled) seeding rate is multiplied by your plot size in acres to get total pounds of seed, then rounded into the bag sizes seed is actually sold in. If you enter a soil pH, the tool estimates the tons of ag lime needed to move it toward the ~6.5 most food-plot crops prefer, using standard extension lime-rate bands.
Accuracy & limitations
These figures are planning estimates, not a substitute for a soil test or the instructions on your seed bag. Soil type, planting method, equipment, and weather all affect real-world results. Confirm rates on the bag, and take a soil test before liming or fertilizing — see the soil test & lime guide.
Advertising & affiliate disclosure
This site is supported by display advertising and affiliate links (primarily the Amazon Associates program). Purchases made through a link may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See the Privacy Policy for how advertising cookies are handled.
Corrections
If a seeding rate, planting window, or other figure doesn't match your local extension office or your own results, report it to info@nubric.dev and it will be reviewed.