In the last year, Penn State conducted tests on various nine cover crop species, including annual ryegrass, as well as eight mixtures. The tests took place on 374 plots through the state. Click here to see the power point presentation.
The advantages listed on annual ryegrass include:
- low seed cost
- vigorous root system
- high forage quality (if needed)
The advantage of using annual ryegrass with crimson clover added these:
- Ryegrass provides longer lasting residue in summer (weed suppression and nutrients to crops and soil w/ decay)
- Good nitrogen fixation from clover
- Inexpensive, due to low seed cost for ryegrass and clover mix
While not exempt from winterkill over harsh winter months, Penn State found that annual ryegrass has a much better survival rate than other cover crops like oats, tillage radish, phacelia and sunn hemp. Some believe winterkill is desireable, because there’s no spring management issues. True enough, but the advantages of having a cover crop on the field in the spring reduces or eliminates erosion, gives added nutrient value to subsequent crops and suppresses other annual weeds from taking root.
Penn State listed a disadvantage of annual ryegrass - potential control problems in the spring. That’s certainly true, but easily avoided if you pay attention to its growth stage and the weather. Check out the extensive “how to” on the annual ryegrass website.
Tags: all cover crops, Annual ryegrass, annual ryegrass as a cover crop, deep rooting, erosion control, forage, nitrogen-friendly cover crop help reduce the cost for fertilizer., No-Till, No-Till farming, Penn State, ryegrass cover crop, winterkill
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