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Cover Crops: Ryegrass
Table of Contents
- Description: Family
- Growth Habits
- Control Options
- Sensitivity to Herbicides: Weed Control
- Benefits and Concerns
- Getting Started
- Related Links
Description
Family
- Grass
- Perennial, annual or Italian ryegrass
Figure 1: Thick growth of ryegrass
Growth Habits
Germination
- Annual ryegrass is prone to reseeding
- Perennial ryegrass is slow to establish with lower seedling
vigour than annual ryegrass
Top Growth
- Shade tolerant, often used in orchards and vineyards for ground
cover
- Annual ryegrass grows 60 to 120 cm.;
- Perennial ryegrass will grow 30 to 90 cm annually for 3-4 years
and is competitive and aggressive when established;
- Generally performs poorly in warm temperatures, dry soils and
poor fertility
Root System
- Dense, fibrous root system that roots deeply
Site suitability
- Annual ryegrass tolerates more standing water than perennial
ryegrass
- Grows best on medium to heavy soils
- High requirements for moisture and nutrients
Control Options
- Tillage and herbicide burndown
Sensitivity to Herbicides: Weed
Control
There are no herbicides registered for weed control in ryegrass.
Use good agronomic practices to establish a vigorous crop canopy
as quickly as possible.
Benefits and Concerns
Nutrient Management
- Heavy nitrogen feeder when established
- Wide C:N ratio of residue means N will not be released quickly
Pest Management
- Rapid and aggressive growth will suppress weeds
Organic Matter
- Forms a dense sod and lumpy seedbed – can cause some problems
with establishment of subsequent crop
Erosion Control
- Used for permaculture areas as erosion control and weed control
measure
Soil Moisture
- Tolerant of high soil moisture conditions
Getting Started
Establishment
Cost & Availability
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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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