Written by: Chandler Stickland

Edits by: Pierce Young

Effective wild turkey management involves ensuring a consistent and abundant food supply for turkey populations year-round. One great food plot option for wild turkeys is chufa, a warm-season perennial sedge that is highly attractive to wild turkeys. 

Why Chufa is Ideal for Wild Turkeys

Chufa can produce up to 150 small edible tubers per plant (typically 25 to 75) just beneath the soil’s surface. These tubers are highly palatable to wild turkeys and provide a good source of protein and fat. Turkeys love to scratch the ground to feed on these tubers, making chufa a year-round food source for them.

When to Plant Chufa

Chufa is a relatively quick grower, requiring just 6 days to germinate. However, it needs at least 90-120 frost-free days to fully mature. Soil temperatures must also stay above 65°F. In the South, chufa is typically planted between April and July.

Where to Plant Chufa

Chufa can be challenging to grow, but it thrives in sandy, well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It typically will no do well in heavy clay soils. Soils should be amended according to soil test recommendations before planting. It is best to plant chufa in open, sunny areas with minimal shade. Clearing existing vegetation will reduce competition, and it’s crucial to consider wildlife, such as wild hogs, that may destroy your chufa plot. Hogs are also attracted to the tubers and can wipe out a plot overnight.

How to Plant Chufa

Soil Preparation: Once you’ve chosen the ideal location and amended the soil, prepare the soil through deep disking. It’s also helpful to use a pre-emergent herbicide like Pendimethalin (Prowl) or Trifluralin (Treflan) to control unwanted weeds as chufa starts growing.

Seeding: Chufa can be seeded at a rate of 35-50 pounds per acre, depending on the planting method. You can either broadcast the seed or drill it in rows. If broadcasting, increase the seeding rate and cover the seeds to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Row planting, using a drill, ensures consistent seed depth at 1 inch.

Weed Control: Managing weeds after planting is crucial for chufa’s success. To control grass weeds, use herbicides like Clethodim (Select) or Sethoxydim (Poast). For broadleaf weeds, apply 2,4-DB (Butyrac).

Ongoing Maintenance for Chufa Plots

Chufa is a perennial plant, meaning it can continue to produce food year after year with proper management. Rejuvenate your chufa plot with light disking during Summer and fertilizer to ensure long-term productivity. It may take some time for turkeys to find the plot, but once they do—especially when acorns become scarce—turkeys will flock to your chufa plot.

 

For landowners and managers looking to enhance their property for wild turkeys, planting chufa is a great option. If you want to learn more about wild turkey management on your property, visit our webpage at 

www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-management-info

or to meet with a biologist visit us at

www.mdwfp.com/privatelands