Cultivation

Italian Ryegrass as a Green Manure

Lolium multiflorum Lam. ssp. italicum (A. Br.) Volkart

Italian ryegrass is used as a green manure due to its vigorous root system capable of improving soil structure and its high nitrogen-sequestering capacity. The crop suppresses weeds and protects soil from erosion, while also offering potential for two-year cultivation and forage use.

In the reference 3 varieties crop Italian ryegrass, where this is mentioned in the description.

Italian ryegrass forms a highly branched fibrous root system that grows continuously throughout the season, effectively structuring the soil and preventing wind and water erosion. The rapid development of a dense green canopy allows the crop to successfully compete with and suppress weed growth.

A key feature of the crop is its ability to retain nitrogen in the soil, preventing leaching, with subsequent release of 79 to 156 kg/ha of nitrogen upon incorporation of biomass. Compared to the westerwoldicum subspecies, Italian ryegrass is characterized by better winter hardiness and the ability to form two-year stands, which allows for flexible use as a dual-purpose green manure, combining organic matter accumulation with forage production.

General information about the subject — on the page Green manures.

Sources8

Varieties of Italian ryegrass mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.