Discover the Benefits of Overseeding Corn or Soybeans

	- Growing Annual Ryegrass
	- Using Ryegrass as a Cover Crop

Oregon-grown Annual Ryegrass is a leafy, nutritious cool-season grass which is "highly preferred" by livestock. Normally it will germinate in a matter of 7-10 days and quickly develops an extensive root system. Overseeding Annual Ryegrass in corn or soybeans offers the following benefits:

• Spring pasture or hay
  
• Captures residual nitrogen
  
• Improves harvest conditions
  
• Erosion control
  
• Plowdown
  
• Increases water infiltration and soil moisture-holding capacity

Leaf tissue analysis have shown that through absorption of residual nitrogen Annual Ryegrass can return approximately 1-1/2 pounds of nitrogen to the soil for every 100 pounds of dry matter plowed down.

Over time it can increase the friability of heavy soils and add bulk to light soils.

When left uncut, Annual Ryegrass normally reaches a height of 2-4 feet.

When left alone, it will reseed itself and may flourish year after year.

Approximately 70 percent or more of the Annual Ryegrass will be available in the spring after over-wintering in either corn or soybeans.

It shows vigorous growth in both the spring and fall.

Overseeding Soybeans

Soybeans should be overseeded with 20-25 pounds per acre of Annual Ryegrass at the leaf-yellowing stage prior to leaf drop.

In order that the Ryegrass be mature enough to survive the winter, it should be sown no later than forty (40) days before the first killing frost.

Overseeding Corn

Corn should be overseeded with 20-25 pounds per acre of Annual Ryegrass immediately following final cultivation. However, the corn should be at least 15 inches high.

• Annual Ryegrass may be sown under unfavorable wet or dry conditions
  
• Annual Ryegrass is easier to control than perennial grasses because it can be eliminated with either heavy grazing or mowing before self-seeding occurs
  
• When sown in combination with clover, the recommended seeding rate is 10 pounds
  clover and 20 pounds Ryegrass per acre
  
• Annual Ryegrass is compatible with legumes such as red clover or hairy vetch
  
• Annual Ryegrass is always in good supply and competitively priced