Integrating Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat Enhancement Practices at the University of Missouri Bradford Research and Extension Center

Farming systems, once beneficial for bobwhite and many other wildlife species, included a diversity of habitats such as fencerows, shrubby cover, crop rotations, fallow/ weedy fields, mixtures of native grasses and forbs and inefficient grain handling.

With the increase in farm size, clean and weed-free fields, and more efficient harvest practices, many farmers have been able to stay in business, but quality early successional vegetation that provide habitat for bobwhites and grassland birds has been greatly reduced.

The MU Bradford Research and Extension Center (BREC) has embarked on a new program to implement techniques that can be used to enhance wildlife habitat on the farm.

First Step: Evaluating the habitat

Assess the habitat quality and quantity on the farm and identify limiting factors using the Habitat Appraisal Guide.

What were the existing habitat conditions on the farm and how were they detrimental to Bobwhite Quail habitat?

Farming up to the edge of a wooded draw results in a lack of edge and fencerow habitat which also resulted in poor yields.

There is little corn yield in the first several rows next to a wooded edge. Corn yield does not fully recover until the 12th row or 30 ft although cost of production is the same whether next to the edge or 100 ft out. Planting grasses and forbs in the first 30 ft next to a wooded edge is not only beneficial to wildlife but may also be economical.

Soybean yield along a different edge management techniques. Techniques included root plowing to a depth of 36 inches, no management, 30 ‘ CP33 wildlife mix and a 60’ CP33 wildlife mix. Soybeans were planted with 15” rows with traditional farming techniques and harvested on a per row basis to determine yield.

Corn yield along a different edge management techniques. Techniques included root plowing to a depth of 36 inches, no management, 30 ‘ CP33 wildlife mix and a 60’ CP33 wildlife mix. Corn was planted in 30” rows with traditional farming techniques and harvested on a per row basis to determine yield.

Waterways and diversion channels were formed and are typically planted to tall fescue which although is an excellent guard against erosion it is not a very wildlife friendly grass.

Unmanaged Native Warm Season Grasses were of little use to bobwhite quail except for escape cover because of a lack of bare ground.

Natural prairie and wetland remnants were invaded with non-native species such as Reedcanary grass and Sericea Lespedeza which can be invasive and offer little benefit to wildlife.

Predominance of tall fescue and little shrubby cover across much of the farm.

What Have We Accomplished

Strip disking native warm season grasses in the fall and spring open up the understory for more beneficial forbs (non grass species) and annual grasses which allows bobwhite quail ample bare ground to move through. Anuual forbs and grasses are also a source of seed and most importantly a source of insects for baby quail chicks.

Fall and Spring prescribed burning help reduce the competition of the native warm season grasses and encourages forbs and annual grasses.

Field border/edge management around crop fields. A mixture of native grasses and forbs are planted in 30-120 borders around field edges to provide food, nesting ground, and cover for bobwhite quail and other species.

Second year after establishing CP-33 buffer.

Using a mixture that is heavy with native forbs this area already provides an excellent food source for quail and other bird species.

Tall fescue has been replaced with native warm and cool season grasses that provide a better food source for bobwhite quail.

Covey Headquarters have been established at several locations on BREC. These headquarters are a mixture of shrubs that are beneficial to bobwhite quail throughout the year.

Different mixes of native cool season and warm season grasses were planted in a diversion channel to compare those and tall fescue (middle) for their suitability for erosion control and wildlife benefit. One native cool season grass, Virginia Wildrye (front), emerged quickly and has done quite well.

Using demonstrations as an effective educational model for landowners

Over 5000 adults and youth have participated in educational programs and field days at BREC- including landowners, agribusiness, personnel from governmental agencies, FFA and other youth groups.

Habitat improvements have been made to address the limiting factors.

Observed a 20 fold increase in bobwhite numbers based on fall whistle counts.

For more information contact:

Phone: 573-884-7945
Fax: 573-884-5554
E-mail: ReinbottT@missouri.edu