Grass and cereal grain cover crops including annual ryegrass, fall rye, triticale, wheat, barley and oats, and summer annuals serve as excellent cover crop options for many growers.
With the greater need for quality feed sources, cereal grains are becoming increasingly popular as forage supplements to existing perennial hay and summer annual acres. Many forage benefits are consistent across all cereal grains, but differences to exist in quality and tonnage based on proper management.
When opportunity exists to plant early, warm season annuals provide large amounts of biomass while easing compaction, improving soil tilth and absorbing excess nutrients left behind from cash crops. These grasses provide quality forage for all classes of ruminants, and can be part of a planned cover crop program where the dual benefit of forage is the goal.
Annual ryegrass is a quick growing, cool season annual grass. Annual ryegrass has come under scrutiny recently as a cover crop, however the species still provides benefits much needed across the Midwest: nutrient sequestration, erosion control and compaction alleviation. It also adds biomass and organic matter while improving soil structure. With proper management in areas where it overwinters, annual ryegrass should be considered as a viable option –both for cover cropping and/or forage.
Fall (cereal) rye is an upright, cool season annual grass that germinates in cool conditions. Very few species offer the many benefits as fall rye while allowing extended planting flexibility long into the fall.
Winter Barley is an upright, cool season annual cereal grain known for its quick growth and low water use. Barley is often used on soils where reclamation and/or rapid soil recovery is the goal.
Barley can be used as a cover crop in the spring or planted in the fall to provide a fall forage for deer. Winter barley is the most susceptible to winterkill of the cereal grains. Consideration should be made when grazing late into the fall. Barley’s value as a silage crop is the most comparable to whole-plant corn (90-100%).
Winter triticale is a cross between wheat and rye grain, bringing together the cover crop benefits and tonnage potential of cereal rye with the increased feed value of wheat.
Teff is a warm season annual grass native to Ethiopia. Plants are fine stemmed with large crowns and many tillers. Roots are shallow and develop a massive fibrous root system. Plant height at maturity is typically 3-4 ft., but varies depending on variety and environmental conditions. When harvested at the proper stage, crude protein will normally be in the 15%-20% range. Teff has an open panicle type seed head.
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 5
Weed Suppression: 5
Biomass Production: 3
Erosion Control: 5
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 2
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 5
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 9
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .58
ADF%²: 38
NDF%³: 65
TDN: 58
DM Tons/Acre: .5-2
Days to First Harvest: 90
Days to Next Harvest: –
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Better
Baleage: Good
Chop: Best
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 4
Weed Suppression: 5
Biomass Production: 4
Erosion Control: 5
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 1
P & K Cycling: 4
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 10 (Hay); 14 (Silage)
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .58 (Hay); .59 (Silage)
ADF%²: 38 (Hay); 37 (Silage)
NDF%³: 65 (Hay); 59 (Silage)
TDN: 58 (Hay); 59 (Silage)
DM Tons/Acre: 3-5 (Hay); 2.5-4 (Silage)
Days to First Harvest: Spring
Days to Next Harvest: –
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Good (Hay); NA (Silage)
Baleage: Better (Hay); Good (Silage)
Chop: Best (Hay); Best (Silage)
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 1
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 5
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 2
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 12 (Spring); 9 (Winter)
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .58 (Spring); .57 (Winter)
ADF%²: 37
NDF%³: 58 (Spring); 65 (Winter)
TDN: 59 (Spring); 57 (Winter)
DM Tons/Acre: 2-4 (Spring); 3-4 (Winter)
Days to First Harvest: 50 (Spring); Spring (Winter)
Days to Next Harvest: –
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Better
Baleage: Good
Chop: Best
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 2
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 5 (Hay); 4 (Silage)
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 1
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 10 (Hay); 12 (Silage)
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .54 (Hay); .60 (Silage)
ADF%²: 39
NDF%³: 63 (Hay); 59 (Silage)
TDN: 54 (Hay); 60 (Silage)
DM Tons/Acre: 3-6 (Hay); 1.5-3.5 (Silage)
Days to First Harvest: 60-70 (Hay) ; 80 (Silage)
Days to Next Harvest: –
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Better (Hay) ; NA (Silage)
Baleage: Good
Chop: Best
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 2
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 5
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 1
P & K Cycling: 4
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 12
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .58
ADF%²: 41
NDF%³: 69
TDN: 56
DM Tons/Acre: 2.5-4
Days to First Harvest: Spring
Days to Next Harvest: –
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Good
Baleage: Better
Chop: Best
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 3
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 4
Erosion Control: 5
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 1
P & K Cycling: 4
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 9 (Hay); 12 (Silage)
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .57 (Hay); .59 (Silage)
ADF%²: 38 (Hay); 37 (Silage)
NDF%³: 66 (Hay); 62 (Silage)
TDN: 59
DM Tons/Acre: 2-3
Days to First Harvest: Spring
Days to Next Harvest: –
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Better (Hay); NA (Silage)
Baleage: Best (Hay); Good (Silage)
Chop: Good (Hay); Best (Silage)
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 3
Weed Suppression: 5
Biomass Production: 5
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 4
Pollinator/Beneficials: 3
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 5
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 16
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .66
ADF%²: 39
NDF%³: 48
TDN: 52
DM Tons/Acre: 3-6
Days to First Harvest: 45
Days to Next Harvest: 35
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Better
Baleage: Good
Chop: Best
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 4
Weed Suppression: 5
Biomass Production: 5
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 4
Pollinator/Beneficials: 3
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 16
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .70
ADF%²: 29
NDF%³: 55
TDN: 55
DM Tons/Acre: 5-8
Days to First Harvest: 45-70
Days to Next Harvest: 30
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Good
Baleage: Better
Chop: Best
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 4
Weed Suppression: 5
Biomass Production: 5
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 4
Pollinator/Beneficials: 3
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 9
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .57
ADF%²: 43
NDF%³: 67
TDN: 57
DM Tons/Acre: 2-6
Days to First Harvest: 50
Days to Next Harvest: 30
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Good
Baleage: Better
Chop: Best
Non-Forage Benefits (5=Excellent):
Compaction Alleviation: 1
Weed Suppression: 3
Biomass Production: 3
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 2
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger
Nutritional Value:
Crude Protein: 18
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .60
ADF%²: 33
NDF%³: 57
TDN: 64
DM Tons/Acre: 3-5
Days to First Harvest: 35
Days to Next Harvest: 25
Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Not Rated
Baleage: Good
Chop: Best
Nutritional values vary greatly depending on maturity
¹- Net Energy for Lactation = Energy available after subtracting digestive and metabolic losses
²- Acid Detergent Fiber = Low values mean more digestible
³- Neutral Detergent Fiber = Low values mean cows can eat more
Planting Time:
Mar.-Apr.; Aug-Oct.
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 15-30
Mix (lbs./acre): 10-15
Forage (lbs./acre): 25-35
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Vegetative- 20:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4
Seeds/lb.: 215,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 32
Aerial Application Rate: 15-35
Germination Soil Temp.: 40 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6
Days to Emergence: 7
Planting Time:
Aug.-Oct.
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 30-50
Mix (lbs./acre): 20-40
Forage (lbs./acre): 80-120
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Vegetative- 20:1 (Hay); Straw- 80:1 (Silage)
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 3/4-1
Seeds/lb.: 16-18,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 50 (Hay); – (Silage)
Aerial Application Rate: 20-60
Germination Soil Temp.: 34 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3
Days to Emergence: 5-8
Planting Time:
Mar.-Apr.; Aug.-Sept. (Spring); Aug.-Oct. (Winter)
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 30-50
Mix (lbs./acre): 20-40
Forage (lbs./acre): 80-120
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Straw- 80:1 (Spring); Vegetative- 20:1 (Winter)
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 3/4-1
Seeds/lb.: 14-16,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): – (Spring); 40 (Winter)
Aerial Application Rate: Not Rated (Spring); 20-60 (Winter)
Germination Soil Temp.: 38 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6
Days to Emergence: 6-8
Planting Time:
Mar.-Apr.; Aug.-Sept.
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 30-50
Mix (lbs./acre): 20-40
Forage (lbs./acre): 80-120
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Vegetative- 20:1 (Hay); Straw- 80:1 (Silage)
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 3/4-1
Seeds/lb.: 15-18,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 38 (Hay); – (Silage)
Aerial Application Rate: 20-60
Germination Soil Temp.: 38 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7
Days to Emergence: 5-8
Planting Time:
Aug.-Oct.
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 30-50
Mix (lbs./acre): 20-40
Forage (lbs./acre): 80-120
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Vegetative-20:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 3/4-1
Seeds/lb.: 14-16,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 48
Aerial Application Rate: 20-60
Germination Soil Temp.: 38 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3
Days to Emergence: 6-8
Planting Time:
Aug.-Oct.
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 30-50
Mix (lbs./acre): 20-40
Forage (lbs./acre): 80-120
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Vegetative- 20:1 (Hay); Straw- 80:1 (Silage)
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 3/4-1
Seeds/lb.: 11-12,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 48 (Hay); – (Silage)
Aerial Application Rate: 20-60
Germination Soil Temp.: 38 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3
Days to Emergence: 6-10
Planting Time:
May-Aug.
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 20-30
Mix (lbs./acre): 5-20
Forage (lbs./acre): 20-30
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): 12:1-20:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/2-1
Seeds/lb.: 60,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 42
Aerial Application Rate: Not Rated
Germination Soil Temp.: 65 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: Frost
Days to Emergence: 3-5
Planting Time:
May-July
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 25-70
Mix (lbs./acre): 5-20
Forage (lbs./acre): 25-70
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Leftover stalks- 80:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 3/4-1½
Seeds/lb.: 21,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 45
Aerial Application Rate: Not Rated
Germination Soil Temp.: 65 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: Frost
Days to Emergence: 10
Planting Time:
May-July
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 20-45
Mix (lbs./acre): –
Forage (lbs./acre): 20-45
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): –
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/2-1
Seeds/lb.: 43,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): 40
Aerial Application Rate: Not Rated
Germination Soil Temp.: 65 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: Frost
Days to Emergence: 3-5
Planting Time:
May-July
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 8-12
Mix (lbs./acre): –
Forage (lbs./acre): 8-12
Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Vegetative-20:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4
Seeds/lb.: 1,300,000
Bulk Density (lbs/ft): –
Aerial Application Rate: Not Rated
Germination Soil Temp.: 65 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: Frost
Days to Emergence: 3-5
Considerations:
9 Key Details When Using Glyphosate For Annual Ryegrass Burndown
Oregon Ryegrass Growers – 2014 (RyegrassCovercrop.com)
Considerations
Removal Rates
Considerations
Considerations
Removal Rates
Considerations
Considerations
Removal Rates
Fertility
Fertilizer removal rates need to be considered as well. When utilizing cover crops as forage, it’s critical to consider the nutrients being removed along with the biomass. These fertilizer levels will need to be added to ensure maximum nutrient availability for the following cash crop.
Hay Production
Hay yields often average between 2-4 tons/acre. Moisture content should be between 15-20% moisture. Hay quality is more maturity-dependent at harvest than is silage.
The most efficient time to harvest small grain cereals for hay is at early-milk stage. This allows for the greatest compromise between forage yield and
quality (quality would be greatest at the late-boot stage). To help speed up drying, a crimper is recommended when harvesting in the late-boot stage
Silage Production
Wheat, barley, oat and triticale silage yields are similar, 4-7 tons/acre of 35% dry matter forage in the boot stage and closer to 6-10 tons/acre when harvested in the late-boot stage. Small grains should be ensiled at between 62–68% moisture. Chop length should be set finer than when harvesting corn or forage sorghum. (Kansas State University)
For more cereal grains management tips, please see the following: Spring Management Tips for Winter Cereal Grains
Nitrate Toxicity is common when fertility or manure applications are followed by a period of drought or stress. Cut plants do not lessen in their nitrate levels as they cure. If high levels are suspected, forage should be tested for a period of a few weeks until levels subside. Though often linked to summer annual grasses, increased nitrate levels can show up in most cover crops and forages.
Prussic Acid poisoning can occur when feeding forage sorghums after periods of drought or other stress, including frost. Toxic levels dissipate usually after 2-3 weeks and will further decrease when ensiled. Prussic acid is most concentrated in new growth, so sorghum forages should not be grazed until they are at least 18 in. tall. Storing hay or silage for at least 30 days generally dissipates the concern.