| Where can I buy annual ryegrass seed? |
As researchers we do not sell annual ryegrass. However there are many sources of annual ryegrass available from seed dealers in your area or from growers in Oregon. You can also look on the Oregon Ryegrass Seed Growers Commission. www.ryegrass.com or call them at 503-364-2944
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| What is the seeding rate for annual ryegrass? |
| Between 8 to 20 lbs per acre depending on the seeding method, time of seeding and conditions of the seed bed. (See added information at the top of the website page, under the tab titled: Growing ARG.) |
| Can I harvest my own ryegrass seed? |
| No, the high humidity and rain frequency in the mid-west precludes economic harvest of ryegrass seed. |
| Do I need a grass seedbox on my drill? |
| No, conventional equipment on your farm can be used. |
| How do I seed annual ryegrass? |
Annual ryegrass can be seeded by drill, broadcast, airflow, airplane, in liquid manure.
The aim is to get the seed in contact with moisture, therefore drill seeded annual ryegrass is the most reliable way to establish a vigourous cover crop.
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| Can I control annual ryegrass in the spring with one herbicide application? |
| While it is possible to get acceptable control of annual ryegrass with one herbicide application in the spring our experience suggests that two applications will generally be needed, and in some cases a third application. Much depends on the size and growth stage of the ryegrass, the herbicides used, and the day and night time temperatures when sprayed. (for more information, see Management of ARG under the Growing ARG heading at the top of the website page) |
| If I use annual ryegrass this year how much more yeild should I expect my corn next year? |
| The benefits of using annual ryegrass as a cover crop are not necessarily immediate and can be difficult to quantify. Improvement may take three years to become apparent, but in the majority of cases yield increases can be seen after two or more years. |
| Does growing annual ryegrass as a cover crop qualify me for carbon credits? |
| At present no, however we are working to try to get this changed. |
| How do I know I am purchasing quality ryegrass seed? |
| Seed should be accompanied by variety, purity and viability certificates from Oregon. |
| Which ryegrass varieties should I grow? |
| At present Univ. of Ill. Extension Educator Mike Plumer is testing 16 varieties of ryegrass for suitability in the Mid-west . Primary characteristics such as cold tolerance, vigor, and ease of control by herbicides are all being studied. As the best varieties are identified they will be posted on this web site. |
| Is annual ryegrass the same thing as cereal rye? |
| No, annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) is a completely different species than cereal rye (Secale cereale) and has many different attributes. A primary benefit of using annual ryegrass is that it has a more extensive root system than cereal rye. |
| How does annual ryegrass compare to cereal rye in weed suppression? |
| Cereal ryegrass provides better weed suppression than annual ryegrass because it exudes chemicals from its roots that suppress weeds (allelopathy). However, with a dense stand of annual ryegrass throughout the winter, it will also act as a good weed suppresser. |
| Do I need to add nitrogen when planting annual ryegrass? |
| Yes, it is essential to get good establishment of ryegrass in the fall and the application of nitrogen is an important management practice to acheive this objective. |
| Who can I contact if I have additional questions? |
There are numerous links to other websites, most of which have added information on cover crops and annual ryegrass. The Oregon Ryegrass Commission has a staff and will help you find answers if you have difficulty finding them on your own. |
| If I purchase ryegrass seed but do not use it this year can I store it? |
| Yes, but ryegrass must be stored in a cool dry place. Be sure to get a germination test on the ryegrass before determining the seeding rate prior to seeding. |
| My stand is thin and poor, what should I do? |
| If it is early in fall then be patient, your stand will likely improve. |
| Can annual ryegrass spread throughout the world? |
| No, only in North America.. |