[{"question":"What is purple top turnip and what is it used for?","answer":"Purple top turnip (Brassica rapa) is a fast-growing brassica planted for livestock forage, deer food plots, and cover crop applications. It produces both nutritious leafy tops (12-16% crude protein) and a large root bulb (10-14% crude protein) that provides high-energy forage through late fall and early winter. Turnips mature in 60-90 days and can withstand light frost, making them one of the best late-season forage options for extending the grazing season."},{"question":"What soil pH does turnip need to grow well?","answer":"Purple top turnips grow best in soil pH 5.5-7.0, with 6.0-6.5 being optimal. They are more acid-tolerant than many brassicas and perform adequately at pH 5.5 where other crops struggle. Turnips prefer well-drained loam but tolerate clay and sandy soils. Adequate phosphorus and potassium promote bulb development—a soil test before planting helps ensure proper fertility. Boron deficiency causes hollow, brown bulbs, so apply 1-2 lbs boron per acre on deficient soils."},{"question":"When should I plant turnips for deer food plots?","answer":"Plant turnips for deer food plots in late summer—mid-July through mid-August in USDA zones 4-6, or August through September in zones 7-8. This timing allows 60-90 days of growth before hard frost, producing mature bulbs and lush tops when natural forage quality declines in fall. Deer typically begin feeding on turnip tops first and switch to bulbs after several hard frosts sweeten the roots. Spring planting is possible but produces lower-quality forage during summer heat."},{"question":"What is the seeding rate for purple top turnip?","answer":"Seed turnips at 3-5 lbs per acre broadcast, or 1-2 lbs per acre drilled in rows. For food plots, 4-5 lbs per acre broadcast provides dense forage. For small plots, use approximately 0.1 lbs (1.5 oz) per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep. Turnip seed is small and benefits from a firm, smooth seedbed. When mixed with other brassicas or cover crops, reduce to 1-2 lbs per acre as part of the blend."},{"question":"How long does it take for turnips to mature?","answer":"Purple top turnips reach harvestable size in 60-90 days from planting. Tops are grazeable within 45-60 days. Full bulb development (3-6 inch diameter) takes 75-90 days under good growing conditions. Turnips grow fastest in cool weather (60-70°F) and slow significantly in summer heat above 80°F. For maximum bulb size, plant early enough to get 60+ days of growth during cool temperatures."},{"question":"Can livestock graze turnips and how should grazing be managed?","answer":"Yes—cattle, sheep, goats, and deer readily graze turnips. Introduce livestock to turnips gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset (rapid diet change from dry hay to high-moisture brassica forage can cause scouring). Strip-grazing with temporary fencing maximizes utilization. Limit turnip forage to 30-50% of total diet; provide dry hay or grass alongside turnips. Turnip tops contain 85-90% moisture, so animals on turnip-heavy diets may need less water but more dry fiber."},{"question":"Do turnips survive frost and can they be grazed into winter?","answer":"Purple top turnips tolerate light to moderate frost (down to 20-25°F) and actually improve in palatability after frost—cold temperatures convert starches to sugars, sweetening the roots. In zones 5-7, turnips provide grazing through November-December. Hard freezes below 15°F will eventually kill the tops and freeze bulbs solid. Bulbs insulated by snow cover can remain grazeable longer. Turnips will not overwinter or regrow in spring—they are a single-season crop."}]
