WHY ANNUAL RYEGRASS AND NO-TILL?

Conventional tillage oxidizes soil organic matter and leaves the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion and water runoff. Fuel and equipment costs are higher with conventional tillage systems.

Covering corn and soybean fields with cover crops for the winter is not new. However, annual ryegrass
has properties which reduce the risk associated with other cover crops. After a year, positive soil changes
are generally evident. After several years, expenses for nitrogen may be reduced. In dry conditions, annual ryegrass contributes to bigger crop harvests because its deep roots create channels that crop roots readily follow to moisture.

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Annual Ryegrass creates a vast root system that improves the texture and the amount of organic matter in the soil structure. Access to deeper soil also allows crops to mine nutrients previously trapped beneath compacted layers.

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Livestock manure disposal, a problem on many farms, can be an asset if applied to annual ryegrass. Annual ryegrass scavenges excess nitrogen (keeping it in the soil profile) which is then available for the next crop.

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Annual ryegrass roots break through soil compaction layers to reach deep water and nutrients. It leaves improved soil structure and increased organic matter in its path.