Barley Barley provides an excellent source of biomass to be managed in the spring. It does not grow as tall as regular rye, but will tiller and may produce as much straw, forage, or plowdown as rye. Even though barley eventually produces the equivalent biomass of rye, it does so later in the spring. Also, the possibility of winter kill is greater with barley. Plan to plant in September or early October for greatest survival.
Wheat Using wheat as a cover crop works well and provides an additional option of grain harvest.
It too can be grazed before turning under. You can also harvest it for grain and remove the straw. Oats Oats can be managed to provide many options for the grower. Planting fall oats in September or October in most of North Carolina will provide a cover crop and good late spring biomass. It can be grazed, or you can make it into hay or harvest the grain and straw.