Food Plot Clover and Brassica Seed Calculator
Calculate a clover and brassica food plot seeding rate in pounds per acre from a target live seed rate, with pure live seed and bag counts.
How This Calculation Works
Bulk pounds per acre equals the target live seeds per acre divided by seeds per pound, then divided by the pure live seed fraction. Clover and brassica blends have widely different seed sizes, so calculate each component separately and sum the bulk weights. Dividing by 43.56 gives pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Field Calibration & Rate Reference Chart
| Species | Seeds/lb | Target seeds/ac | Bulk lb/ac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 227,000 | 3,000,000 | 15 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1,100,000 | 1,500,000 | 2 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 227,000 | 4,000,000 | 20 |
| Bermudagrass hulled | 1,900,000 | 2,000,000 | 1 |
| Bermudagrass unhulled | 800,000 | 2,000,000 | 3 |
| Alfalfa | 200,000 | 5,000,000 | 28 |
| Winter wheat | 12,000 | 1,200,000 | 105 |
| Soybean | 2,800 | 160,000 | 63 |
| Corn | 1,400 | 34,000 | 27 |
| Cereal rye | 18,000 | 1,200,000 | 73 |
Common Questions
How much clover and brassica seed per acre for a food plot?
A common blend uses 4 to 6 pounds of clover and 2 to 4 pounds of brassica per acre. Calculate each component by its own seed size and PLS. Higher rates give faster cover but cost more.
When should I plant a clover and brassica food plot?
Plant brassicas in late summer and clover in early fall for a fall and winter food source. Timing varies by region and first frost date. Both need adequate moisture to establish.
How deep do I plant clover and brassica seed?
Plant no deeper than a quarter inch, and shallower is often better. These small seeds lack the reserves to emerge from depth. Press the seedbed for good seed-to-soil contact.
Do food plot blends need fertilizer?
Yes, brassicas especially respond to nitrogen and sulfur, and both crops need adequate phosphorus and potassium. A soil test guides the blend. Lime to the correct pH before planting.