About Soybeans (forage type)
Forage soybeans are considered the gold standard of warm-season food plot legumes, providing both summer leafy forage and highly sought after beans and pods in fall that sustain deer through the rut and early winter. Late-maturing varieties (Group V and higher) or dedicated forage types are required — early-maturing commodity soybeans are consumed and gone before hunting season. Plot size is critical: under-sized plantings are simply grazed flat before they can produce a seed crop, so a minimum of 4–6 acres is recommended in most deer densities.
How much Soybeans (forage type) seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Soybeans (forage type) is 70–80 lbs per acre, dropping to about 50 lbs per acre when drilled. 70–80 lb/ac broadcast; 45–55 lb/ac drilled in 30-inch rows. Group V–VIII (late-maturing) or dedicated forage varieties are strongly preferred — they maximize biomass and extend grazing season vs. early-maturing varieties. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Soybeans (forage type)
Soybeans (forage type) is a warm-season crop. In the northern US, plant in May–Jun; farther south, plant in Apr–Jun. Sow it 1" deep and plan on 90–150 depending on maturity group.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). No N (nitrogen-fixing legume); inoculate seed. Very high P and K demand. Apply 100–200 lb/ac 0-20-20 at planting per soil test. Minimum 4–6 acres recommended to survive deer pressure; larger is better. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Soybeans (forage type) blends well with lablab, cowpeas, grain sorghum, corn if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Soybeans (forage type) FAQ
- How much Soybeans (forage type) seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Soybeans (forage type) at about 70–80 lbs per acre, or 50 lbs per acre if you drill it. 70–80 lb/ac broadcast; 45–55 lb/ac drilled in 30-inch rows. Group V–VIII (late-maturing) or dedicated forage varieties are strongly preferred — they maximize biomass and extend grazing season vs. early-maturing varieties.
- When should I plant Soybeans (forage type)?
- In the northern US plant in May–Jun; in the South plant in Apr–Jun. Expect 90–150 depending on maturity group.
- What soil pH does Soybeans (forage type) need?
- Soybeans (forage type) does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). No N (nitrogen-fixing legume); inoculate seed. Very high P and K demand. Apply 100–200 lb/ac 0-20-20 at planting per soil test. Minimum 4–6 acres recommended to survive deer pressure; larger is better.
- Do deer like Soybeans (forage type)?
- Deer preference: high — 'perhaps the most preferred summer forage for white-tailed deer' (MSU Deer Lab); protein 25–30% in fertile soils; beans and pods irresistible in fall.