Weed Control Benefits of High Biomass Rye Cover Crops

USDA-NRCS is proud to share the second of three new “soil health” videos profiling Robb Hinton, a grain farmer who manages 1,400 acres on Virginia’s historic Northern Neck. Rob is a dedicated no-till farmer, cover crop fan, and passionate advocate for soil improvement.
This video tells the story of Robb’s first experiments with “planting green” into living cover crops and VA Tech’s endorsement of one of his key observations - that high biomass cover crops can be an important tool in the battle against herbicide-resistant weeds.

[@LtColDaddy71]

Been doing that for 20 yrs. the best part is when your checking your fields, and their are two rye mats. The last years mat still hasn’t broken down.

[@TS-vr9of]

great video, thanks for the share. 80-90% reduction in weed pressure as apposed to winter fallow. Extra effective against small seeded weeds like pigweed.

[@jefflandsberg4251]

Rye grass is an awesome addition .

[@TheFarmacySeedsNetwork]

Thanks! just picked up some seed planning to add this to my cover cropping rotation!

[@kfh-hereford]

So what is better - to roll and plant in it; plant green and use glyphosate; cut, leave rye in field and plant in it???

[@dequavisjones4869]

I say plant green then roll the cover, or chemically kill it. Reason being: rolled first cause wrapping on closing wheels.

[@locybapsi174]

@@dequavisjones4869 And what about cutting it? It seems to be the best

[@dilpreetsingh737]

Great video. Thank you so much.

[@Ryin88]

i would love to see what happens if you incorporate wood chips

[@rezoberidze9695]

Great video. Thanks!

[@mauriziostefanelli322]

Please!!!!! Italian subtitle!! Tanks!!!!