Disking is a method of soil disturbance that encourages the growth of forbs (commonly called weeds or wildflowers) and other annual plants.  Common seed producing forbs enhanced through disking include croton (doveweed), sunflower, and ragweed.  Many forb seeds are present in the soil and only require shallow disking to germinate.

The best method of disking for wildlife is long strips 15 to 30 feet in width.  These strips should be adjacent to wooded areas or meander through natural cover.  The second year in a disking program a new strip adjacent to the first year’s disked area should be selected.  Thereafter, the strips should be disked in alternate years.   This creates a more diverse plant community by maintaining different stages of regrowth.

The optimum time for disking is October through February.  It is important to disk before spring green-up or forb growth may not be promoted.  Care should be taken to avoid areas where disturbance may cause erosion to occur.