Tillage RootMax Ryegrass

CCS Tillage RootMax ryegrass cover crop has been screened and selected as a cover crop because of its winter-hardiness and root structure.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Non-Forage Benefits:
1 = Poor; 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:
Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

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: –

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

Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Better
Baleage: Good
Chop: Best

SEEDING:

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): Vegatative- 20:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4
Seeds/lb.: 215,000
Bulk Density (lbs./ft.³): 32
Aerial Application Rate: 15-35
Germination Soil Temp.: 40 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6
Days to Emergence: 7

MANAGEMENT:

Considerations

• Prefers pH between 6.0-7.0
• Intolerant of heat and dry weather
• Hundreds of annual ryegrass varieties are on the market- choose the best to meet your goals

9 Key Details When Using Glyphosate For Annual Ryegrass Burndown

• Use full glyphosate rates… include ammonium sulfate (AMS)
• Check your water to ensure the correct pH levels
• Standard or XR flat fan nozzles are the best for most applications (medium droplet size)
• Keep spray application volume to 10 gals./acre
• Top growth should be taller than 4-8 in.
• Soil temperatures need to be at least 45 F and climbing
• Ambient air temperatures need to be above 55-60 F –delay applications when night-time temperatures drop below 38 F (ideally need 3 nights above 40 F)
• Spray in the middle of the day (after dew has dried but 4 hrs. prior to sunset to allow for adequate translocation)
• If a 2nd application is needed, wait at least 2 weeks after the 1st pass,
  annual ryegrass becomes harder to control after it joints (begins stem elongation)

Oregon Ryegrass Growers – 2014 (RyegrassCovercrop.com)