Some new landowners are interested in using their acreage for small-scale agricultural production. They have an interest in building soil organic matter levels and reducing erosion. Rye is well known as a cover crop or green manure crop among these new rural residents. It is perhaps the most common cover crop used by gardeners. Rye has also been of interest to organic farmers and conventional farmers looking for ways to improve soil structure or reduce weed growth.
Rye is aggressive as a cover crop.
If rye is killed off with a herbicide application in the spring a chemical compound released by decomposing rye leaves will prevent germination of many weed seeds. Rye is also known to control tough weeds like quackgrass. When soybean harvest is delayed and farmers have missed opportunities to plant winter wheat, rye can be planted because of its greater ability to tolerate harsh winter weather. Livestock producers can use rye as a spring grazing crop. It grows in areas where harsh winter weather threatens wheat.