Environmental preferences and limitations Annual ryegrass is tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates but is best adapted to valley and coastal areas with long seasons of cool, moist weather. It tolerates cold and can germinate in cooler soils than can most other cover crops. Annual ryegrass can grow on sandy soils but does best on heavier clay or silty soils with adequate drainage. Although well-drained soils are preferred, annual ryegrass tolerates extended wet periods and temporary flooding. Annual ryegrass tolerates pH from 5 to 8, with the optimum between 6.0 and 7.0.
Annual ryegrass is moderately shade-tolerant.
Uses Annual ryegrass can be used as a cover crop in annual or perennial cropping systems, or as forage, hay, or a nurse crop for legumes. It often can be grown under conditions where other cover crops fail. Because it establishes quickly and grows throughout the fall and winter, it is an excellent choice for soil protection and weed suppression. Annual ryegrass is suitable as a cover crop in grass waterways or riparian areas subject to flooding because it tolerates wet soils and temporary flooding. It also commonly is used on poor soils or on sandy or rocky soils, where it normally produces better growth than do cereal species.