Published November 1985. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Rapeseed is grown for its oil and meal, and as a cover crop. Rapid fall growth captures part of the available soil nitrogen, which otherwise might be lost to leaching, and provides good ground cover over winter.
Sudangrass and sorghum sudangrass crosses are used as warm season cover crops, forage, and silage. When used as a cover crop, their fibrous roots and organic matter contributions improve soil structure; and their rapid, dense growth suppresses weeds.
Annual ryegrass is an erect, robust cool-season bunch grass that reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet. Plants are yellowish-green at the base and have 12-inch long glossy leaves. This species has a heavy, extensive, fibrous root system.
Cereal grains are grasses and may have a prostrate, semierect, or erect physical stature. All have fibrous root systems.
Barley, oats, triticale, and wheat are each comprised of hundreds of varieties whose growth characteristics vary considerably.
Buckwheat is not likely to increase
soil organic matter content much
because dry matter production is
relatively low and tissues are succulent
and decompose very rapidly
when incorporated. However,
buckwheat can improve short-term
soil tilth and has been used to
prepare fields for transplants.
Cereal rye is an erect annual grass with greenish blue, flat blades and an extensive fibrous root system. It resembles wheat, but usually is taller (3–5 ft) and tillers less. Flowering is induced by 14 hours of light in spring.