BSK
Well-Known Member
Winter grazing rye (cereal rye), is one of the best soil-builders out there. If I'm planting a newly cleared plot for fall, I always plant it in cereal rye for at least the first fall/winter. Not only will cereal rye grow in terrible soil, it will produce a huge volume of biomass that can be turned into the soil for soil-building.Cereal rye has to be one of the best winter covers available. Better root systems earlier than wheat provides better erosion protection and more In the soil matter. It is a little leafier than wheat, taller faster and bigger seed heads for more matter above ground. Its fast growth gets ahead of most weeds early and makes a great ground cover when rolled or terminated and planted in. I have also drilled rye into my clover and alfalfa stands to give them some browse protection and soil improvement without losing my clover or alfalfa. Leave it till after turkeys hatch then mow creates a great thatch which preserves moisture and keeps soil temps more consistant prolonging clover into the summer heat. Cereal rye with turnips and radishes provides a great winter cover with soil building, nutrient mining, erosion control and food source from august thru april.