Midwestern farmers experimenting with planting annual ryegrass as a cover crop, are reaping increased soybean and corn yields. But the process is a long way from operating smoothly, members of the Annual Ryegrass Growers Association were told during that group's annual meeting Wednesday in Albany.

The goal is to create a new, long-term market for Oregon grass seed.

Dan Towery project consultant from Agricultural Conservation Solutions LLC in Lafayette, Ind., said ryegrass is being grown on more than 400,000 acres in states from Missouri to Pennsylvania.

"We started this project 13 years ago with a few plots," Towery said. "We are making big strides. I attended the National No-Till Conference in Ohio last week and was impressed with how quickly folks have gotten up to speed on this."

Towery said producers who utilize no-till planting systems are reporting increased corn yields from 20 to 50 bushels per acre, even in dry years. With corn topping $4.50 per bushel, the added income is significant.

The deep ryegrass roots help break up clay hardpan and allow corn and soybean roots easier access to moisture, Towery said. The ryegrass also acts as a protective cover crop against erosion during winter and spring. And, the fields can be utilized for livestock grazing.

In southern Illinois, farmers have recorded yields of 156 bushels of corn with the ryegrass program compared to 102 bushels without. In 2007, when there was just 3 inches of rain recorded in one area, the yield difference was 121 bushels compared to just 53 bushels.

Towery said the ryegrass acts as a nitrogen scavenger, holding nitrogen that previously leached away from the upper regions of the soil.

For midwest soybean producers, ryegrass as a cover crop has also been shown to decrease soybean cyst nematode populations and increase yields from 8 to 10 bushels per acre. Nematodes account for up to $1 billion in reduced yields per year, Towery said.

But problems remain to be worked out, Towery cautioned.

Some parts of the midwest experience wild weather fluctuations, which can lead to "winter kill" of the ryegrass. Farmers are confused as to what variety of ryegrass seed will work best in their region. Establishment of the cover crop is dependent on adequate soil moisture in the first few weeks after planting.

Also, many midwestern seed providers don't understand the project or what type of ryegrass seed they should be selling. Other issues include problems with adequately killing off the grass before spring planting. Cool weather conditions can reduce the effectiveness of products such as Roundup. Farmers do not want volunteer grass coming up in their corn and soybean fields once crops have been planted.

"We've found that the crop needs 60 days of good growth to increase its chances of winter survival," Towery said.

It takes about 10 to 15 pounds of seed per acre if it is drilled or up to 25 pounds per acre if broadcast or aerially applied.