Rye soil requirements

For best results however, rye should be planted on a firm, well prepared seedbed. On autumn tilled ground, disk and harrow and then drill rye. If autumn tilling is not possible, particularly after harvesting, disk and drill the rye into the soil.

Rye is sometimes drilled into small grain stubble without previous preparation. This practice is economical and satisfactory in reasonably weed-free land. In addition to the economy of labor, it also leaves the stubble to hold the snow and protect the rye plant from winter killing.

Rye can withstand drought better than other cereal grains, in part because of its prolific root system. It grows best with ample moisture, but excessive rainfall can suppress subsequent vegetative growth. Rye can grow in low-fertility soils where other cereal grains may fail. 

The time of sowing depends on the use of the crop. Winter rye can generally be sown from late summer to late autumn. However, when grown for grain production, rye should be sown at about the same time as winter wheat, although it can be seeded safely as much as 2 weeks later. If winter rye is planted early, cattle can lightly graze the crop, but enough vegetation must remain standing to control soil erosion.

When rye is grown for pasture, cover crop or green manure, seeding date should be 2 to 8 weeks earlier than for a grain crop to insure a heavy blanket of growth for protection over the winter. Rye is also successfully planted after harvesting potatoes to provide winter cover and a green manure crop.

Optimum soil pH for rye is 5.0 ­ 7.0, but pH in the range of 4.5 ­ 8.0 is tolerated.