Star Seed

Cereal Rye is a winter or early spring annual that is adapted to a colder growing season in late fall and early spring. Cool season grasses such as rye generally make fast cover and are good for erosion control. It also can be used for nurse crop support while slower crops establish. Rye is an excellent nutrient catch crop and nitrogen scavenger.

Considered the workhorse grasscover, rye suppresses weeds and pests by attracting beneficials. It can be planted later than other fall cover crops. Rye is winterhardy and adaptable to a wide variety of cover systems.

IMAGE: Penn State Field Crop News August 13, 2004