Annual Ryegrass used as a cover crop adds organic matter in no-till operations. Why? The massive root structure left behind increases organic matter as it decays. Having something growing in the ground year-round allows earthworms and healthy bacteria to keep working, building nutrients, building carbon.
Each time the soil organic matter is improved by 1%, one acre will store 10,000 more gallons of water. Increased organic matter also means having increased water infiltration - as much as 400% in three years in the Midwest. When you increase water infiltration and organic matter at the same time, you’re bound to see increases in crop yields, especially in dry (or low-rainfall) years.
Tags: all cover crops, Annual ryegrass, annual ryegrass as a cover crop, crop yield, No-Till corn and soybean, No-Till farming, organic matter, water infiltration
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