Certified Organic by Organic Producers Association of Manitoba
Cereal Rye is an upright, cool-season annual grass often confused with annual ryegrass. It germinates and grows under cooler conditions than other cover crops, making it a great option for fields with a late cash crop harvest. Its root structure and top growth also add high levels of soil organic matter.
Growers newer to cover cropping should terminate cereal rye at least 14 days before planting corn — terminating earlier reduces the risk of allelopathic effects, armyworms, voles, and nitrogen immobilization. More experienced producers with healthier fields may consider planting corn directly into standing rye, but should plan for a foliar insecticide to guard against armyworms in that scenario.
