Recapture Nitrogen, Suppress Nematodes in Small Fruits and Berries by Overseeding with Oregon-Grown Ryegrass

Cover Crop Favorite

Rapid-germinating Oregon-grown Annual Ryegrass has long been used as a cover crop for corn, soybeans, orchards, Christmas tree plantations and vineyards. Ryegrass is fast gaining a reputation for use in small fruits and vegetables because it:

• Can recover and make available to the main crop in the spring as much as 40 percent of fall residual nitrogen which might otherwise remain mobile in the soil
  
• Has shown the ability to help suppress nematode populations
  
• Lessens the need for conservation structures on highly erodable land
  
• Creates sod which provides better harvest conditions
  
• Helps suppress weed infestations
  
• Develops an extensive root system that helps build organic matter in soil and with continued use increases friability of heavy soils and adds bulk to light soils
  
• Is easier to control than perennial grasses because it can be wiped out by either heavy grazing or mowing before self-seeding occurs

Ryegrass Facts

• May be sown under unfavorable wet or dry conditions
  
• Normally germinates in a matter of 7-10 days
  
• If sown under dry conditions, normally germinates after the first solid rain
  
• Always in excellent supply and competitively priced
  
• Forage preferred by livestock
  
• Vigorous fall and spring growth
  
• Left uncut Annual Ryegrass grows to a height of 2-4 feet