Soil improver and water conservation
Sowing rye has many positive effects on soil structure. Because of its fibrous root system, rye makes full use of the various soil layers, and in so doing it improves soil permeability, soil moisture content and soil biodiversity (earthworms); rye forage also prevents leaching of excess soil or manure N (UC SAREP, 2006). Used as green manure, rye provides large amounts of organic matter to the soil. However, when rye is sown for forage, a part of the organic matter is not returned to the soil.
Rye is an undemanding crop that requires 20-30% less water per unit of dry matter than wheat (Ecoport, 2011). During winter, rye forage is a trap for water since it holds snow within its culms and thus prevent it from being scattered by the wind (UC SAREP, 2006).
Soil erosion control
Rye forage prevents soil erosion by water and wind in autumn and winter (UC SAREP, 2006).