Some weed scientists are still concerned that annual ryegrass, if improperly managed, can become a weed pest. Some even contend that the plant can develop a resistance to glyphosate (the generic herbicide that many associate with the Monsanto product Round Up).
One university researcher recently posted a blog that suggests that growers must use a cocktail [...]
Continue reading about Control of Annual Ryegrass as a Cover Crop
Iowa State University has preliminary results on cover cropping in corn - the potential to boost yields even after removing the bulk of corn stalk residue for use in biofuel production!
Here’s the article that appeared today in Agro Times online:
Two years into a study looking at methods of combining a living cover crop between corn [...]
Continue reading about Iowa State Research on Cover Crops Shows Yield Boost in Corn
Annual ryegrass and cereal rye are both popular cover crops in the corn and soybean rotation in the Midwest. However, many seed dealers and growers still get the two confused. Here’s an article from today’s No-Till Farmer that highlights some of the differences.
Annual Ryegrass, Cereal Rye Have Important Differences
Knowing the differences between annual ryegrass and [...]
Continue reading about Annual Ryegrass Compared to Cereal Rye as a Cover Crop
I noticed these recent posts on No-Till Farmer’s website - growers recognizing the value of cover crops to prevent erosion. Note that in the second case, he’s using cover crops on waterways, as well as on crop lands.
Dan Gillespie is a no-tiller at Meadow Grove, Neb., and state NRCS no-till specialist. At this time, [...]
Continue reading about Annual Ryegrass and other Cover Crops - Erosion Control Plus
A grower from Kentucky wrote recently about his use of annual ryegrass as a cover crop:
I think one of the keys to winter survival of Ryegrass is to NOT put nitrogen on it in the fall. Nitrogen causes a plant to take on a lot of water. What happens when water freezes? It expands and [...]
Continue reading about Nitrogen Use with Annual Ryegrass in the Fall - To do or Not to do?
Michigan State Univ. extension educator Dan Hudson published the following about cover crops. To view the entire presentation, click here:
Here are the main points, both about the benefits of cover crops and that of annual ryegrass and crimson clover:
Reasons for Cover Crops - Farmer Perspective
Strong
• Improve yield or profit
• Fix/scavenge nitrogen
• Improve soil quality
– OM, [...]
Continue reading about Michigan State Studies Annual Ryegrass and Crimson Clover as Cover Crops

