By Blake Jackson
A field trial on fall-seeded winter forages and cover crops was conducted at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, Pennsylvania, starting in fall 2025. Crops were planted on October 3 and harvested in spring 2026. The study compared single-cut and multi-cut systems to evaluate yield and forage quality.
Cereal crops like rye and triticale were grown under the single-cut system, while annual ryegrass varieties were tested under both systems. In the multi-cut approach, ryegrass was harvested twice in May and June. In the single-cut system, crops were harvested at the boot stage, with cereal harvests completed between late April and mid-May.
Soil fertility was managed using phosphorus and potassium based on soil test recommendations. Nitrogen was applied at spring green-up, with an additional application after the first cut in the multi-cut system.
The trial included annual ryegrass, cereal rye, triticale, and field pea. Results showed differences in yield, forage quality, and winter survival. Annual ryegrass performed well in both systems, while cereal rye and triticale showed strong yields under single-cut management. Field pea did not survive the winter and produced no harvestable yield.
Photo Credit: pexels-jeffrey-czum
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Education