Triticale, an alternative to rye, is described. Cereal rye tolerates infertile and sandy soils and withstands sandblasting much better than other cereals. The straw is tough, both when growing and when mature, and it remains standing throughout summer, providing good protection for the soil. Cereal rye, therefore, is used to stabilise eroded farm land, coastal sand dunes and areas disturbed by surface mining, building or engineering works. If relying on rainfall, the crop can be planted from early winter to mid-August.
Irrigation is necessary if the crop is planted at other times.
The crop must be planted early in winter if the grain is to be harvested. A distinguishing feature of young cereal rye is that is has four primary roots originating from the seed. The root system branches extensively in the first 30 cm of soil and is more developed than the roots of wheat or oats. Since it can send out roots and tillers from the second, third or even fourth node, rye can be sown deeper than wheat. This feature is useful when sowing on eroded or disturbed sites, where depth of sowing is difficult to control.