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Secale cereale
Cereal Rye Grain
Item #: 8050
Category: Grasses
Habit: Annual
Planting Rates:
12 lbs. covers 2,500 sq. ft.
25 lbs. covers 5,000 sq. ft.
50 lbs. covers 10,000 sq. ft.
200 lbs. covers One Acre
SOIL TYPE |
SUNLIGHT |
Soil Moisture |
| Sand |
Loam |
Clay |
Caliche |
Full |
Partial |
Dappled |
Shade |
| X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
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Dry Medium |
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Description
If you are ready to take action in the fall, plant a cover crop of cereal rye grain. This rye is entirely different than rye grass. Old time farmers used to cover crop their land before chemical fertilizers came along.
Note: Cereal Rye is a non-invasive, non-native, and used for a one-time cover. Mow in the spring before seed set, or plow under, then plant permanent warm season grass.
--PLANTING TIPS--
Temporary Winter Cover & Erosion Control:
Planting of the grain can begin late August thru early March for temporary fast coverage. Cereal Rye grain produces dense fibrous roots and will readily sprout in cool temperatures. Broadcast seed on surface and lightly till or drag to provide 1/4” - 1/2” covering of soil. Roll or pack to firmly make seed to soil contact. Seed will germinate with 1” rain or supplemental irrigation.
Maintaining Height & Growth:
If a wet, mild winter season occurs, cereal rye may grow rapidly on warm days. Cut excess growth no lower than 6” as required to maintain desired heights. If a harsh or dry winter occurs or on thin infertile soils, no additional management may be needed. If left un-mown, cereal rye has similar growth characteristics as whole grain winter wheat.
Preparing for Native Seeding:
In late winter / early spring scalp cereal rye cover crop as short as possible to suppress growth. Rake and remove excess thatch as required. No-till drill final native seed mix directly into remaining rye stubble. The rye grain root mass will continue providing erosion control. With the cereal rye canopy of top growth removed, final native seed sprouting can begin with the warming spring time soil temps and the beneficial spring rains. Following these steps can bring a successful establishment of native prairie plants.
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