Mississippi Wildlife Department Offers Tips to Restore Old Fields for Wildlife

Old fields can be among the most productive wildlife habitats on a property, but only if they are managed correctly, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Many abandoned fields in the state are now dominated by non-native grasses such as bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, tall fescue, and johnsongrass. These species reduce plant diversity and limit wildlife production, the department said.

However, the department added that these areas are not lost. With a combination of herbicide application, disking or burning, and the promotion of native grasses, forbs, and browse, landowners can restore these fields into high-quality early successional habitat.

The restored habitat can support wildlife such as quail, turkey, and deer. The department provided a link to a full guide on how to convert and manage old fields: https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/private-lands-program/habitat-and-wildlife-information/old-field-habitat-management.

Source: Original Article