From: Jay McCaman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 8:55 PM

Subject: Re: cover crop choices

Rye is very common although not the best in all situations. I have planted it on December 5 and it was an inch tall by the end of February. (north of Grand Rapids, Michigan) Others have said it will grow under the snow. Late plantings can be marginal if broadcast planted. My experience was, I needed to clean the grain drill. My biggest mistake was allowing it to grow too tall in the spring. If this happens it is essential to apply a residue spray to speed the decay or the decay process will rob nitrogen from the planted crop.

Pennsylvania State University reported that rye at six inches tall is good for sixty pounds of nitrogen per acre. By allowing it to grow taller the carbon to nitrogen ratio shifts to more carbon making the slow decay.

Some years ago "The Furrow" reported on work done by the University of Guelph where rye was interseeded in growing corn. The corn was not hurt in a dry year and scavanged nutrients released after the crop shut down. This reduced nutrient leaching. This can make late fall and early spring grazing for some people.

Oats can be very beneficial if planted in late summer. Dr. Reams taught that oats are a phosphate collector. One of my clients planted one-third oeats and two-thirds rye in late August. The P1 phosphates that are frequently very high in potato soils doubled thanks to the oats and some other changes. When the oats were discontinued the phosphate test declined. The reason for stopping the oats was they were not green in the spring reducing the biomass for incorporation. Oats can stand many frosts but will usually freeze down in this climate. This can be an advantage if very early planting with minimal residue is desired.

Jay McCaman