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Annual RYEGRASS

Cool Season - Grass

If you want to build soil without investing a lot in a cover crop, consider annual ryegrass.  A quick-growing, non-spreading bunch grass, Annual Ryegrass is a reliable, versatile performer almost anywhere (assuming adequate moisture and fertility).  It excels in holding soil and taking up excess N.  Ryegrass is an excellent choice for building soil structure in crop land to enhance water infiltration, water-holding capacity, irrigation efficiency and outcompeting weeds.  You can also over seed Ryegrass readily into corn, soybeans and many high-value crops.  Ryegrass's dense yet shallow root system improves water infiltration and enhances soil tilth.  Rapid above ground growth helps supply organic matter.

SOIL ADAPTABILITY:

 

Drainage:  Poorly to well drained

 

Fertility:    Good tolerance of low fertility

 

pH Level:   6.0-7.0

 

Minimum Soil Germination Temp: 40°F

 

Sunlight: Good shade tolerance

 

SEEDING / GROWTH:

 

Dates:  3-10 weeks before average first frost

 

Rates:

          Precision:    10 lb/A

          Drilled:       12 lb/A, 1/2" to 3/4" deep

         Broadcast:   15 lb/A

          Aerial:             18 lb/A

 

Average seeds/lb: 190,300

Inoculate: NR*

Emergence: 14 days

Height:  1.5' - 3'

Drought & Heat: Low heat and drought tolerance

Flooding: Tolerates long flooding or ponding

PROS:

  • Erosion prevention

  • Scavenge nitrogen

  • Break up compaction

  • Low fertility soil tolerance

  • Flooding tolerance

  • Deep roots good for soil-builing & subsoiling

 

 

 

CONS:

 

  • Potential for weeds if allowed to seed in the spring.

  • Must use diligence when eradicating.

  • Past vegetative state, N release may be delayed.

 

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