Seeding

When selecting fields to plant hybrid fall rye consider pre-crop options, residual herbicides, and field conditions.
The preferred pre-crop option is canola since it can be managed so that there is stubble to help protect the hybrid fall rye over the winter. Advanced planning is beneficial to ensure the hybrid fall rye can be planted early. Early seed canola in these fields so that it can be harvested in time to have the field in shape.

Planting after peas and lentils is also a pre-crop option since they are harvested early, however since there will be no stubble, early, uniform establishment is crucial for winter survival. In most cases planting the last week of August is advantageous. It is important to avoid imazethapyr products such as Pursuit or Odyssey in the pre-crop.

Planting directly into a terminated alfalfa hay stand can be done successfully. This may require an extra fall herbicide application once the hybrid fall rye is established to kill any alfalfa or perennial weeds that survived the earlier herbicide.

Be aware of residual herbicides. Residual activity that could affect establishment and performance will vary based on soil type, pH, and rainfall. Consult a local agronomist for recommendations. Some active ingredients to be aware of are imazethapyr (eg. Pursuit, Odyssey), metsulfuron methyl (Ally) or clomazone + carfentrazone (Command).

A pre-seed herbicide burn-down is recommended to get the crop off to a weed-free start. Seek advice from a crop advisor or chemical provider for product-specific rates and timing.

Hybrid Fall Rye has excellent winter hardiness, however, it does not do well with standing water in the fields in fall or spring. Avoid fields that are not well-drained or are prone to have standing water in spring. As with other fall-seeded or perennial crops, some farmers will leave out an area of a field that is known to flood in spring. This way there is less risk of lost seeding expenses in those areas and the opportunity to seed a spring crop.

Early seeding is an important contributor to yield on a fall-seeded crop. Research has shown that early seeding can help turn the advantage of hybrid vigour into higher yields and less ergot. The charts below show early seeding at the beginning of September compared to 2 weeks later in September achieved a 15% yield advantage and over 50% improvement in ergot.

Consistent seed depth, distribution and packing will help the crop to emerge and develop consistently. Slower seeding speeds will typically improve results, similar to planting small, shallow seeded crops. The impact of straw management of the pre-crop is often overlooked and can have big impact on the crop. Having a fit seed bed plays a big roll in seed placement. Attention should be paid to residue management during combining to spread straw and chaff evenly. Harrow if required to further reduce clumps and thick mats of residue.

Hybrid fall rye recommended seeding rate is 0.8 Units per acre or 800,000 seeds per acre, or 18.4 seeds/square foot. The amount of weight per unit is determined on a lot by lot basis and is supplied to the farmer to easily determine the seeding rate.

Research has confirmed that 0.8 Units per acre is optimal to provide top yield potential. (see Seeding Rate Trial figure below) Hybrid fall rye has exceptional ability to tiller so this plant density will provide enough room to tiller without promoting late tillers and providing excellent competition for weeds.

Seed Depth has shown to be important for establishing Hybrid Fall Rye. Optimal depth is 2 to 3 cm (3/4″ to 1″). Deep seeding into a dry seedbed to chase moisture has little benefit because germination and establishment are dependent on fall precipitation. Deep seeding could result in delayed emergence and weakened development. This would negatively impact winter survival and subsequent profitability of the Hybrid Fall Rye crop.

1 Unit is 1 Million Viable Seeds.

Unit size is specific to each lot, calculated using the Thousand Kernel Weight (TKW) and Germination.

Seeding rates can vary from 26-32 kg/ac (57-70 lb/ac)

Hybrid Fall Rye is a more efficient nutrient scavenger than winter wheat and can yield 10-15% higher under the same fertility program.

Apply starter fertilizer as per soil test with the same placement as other cereals. Depending on location and risk of nutrient loss, it is preferable to put all fertilizer down in the fall.

If all fertility is not applied in the fall, apply as soon as you can get equipment on the field and conditions minimize nutrient loss. Early Nitrogen availability is especially important with Hybrid Fall Rye as 60% of Nitrogen is required before growth stage 29 in spring to set the yield potential of the crop. Plants take up 90-95% of total Nitrogen required at tillering and early stem elongation which is typically by mid-May. Since most markets are not looking for high protein, there is no advantage to late Nitrogen applications.

Soil testing and working with a local Agronomist is recommended to develop a fertility program. Some general guidelines include:

• Nitrogen 1.2 lb N/bu available (Target yield in bu x 1.2 = Total Available N required)
• Phosphorus 25 to 30 lbs available
• Potassium 40 to 50 lbs available
• Sulfur 15 to 20 lbs available