CHAPTER VII 

 RYE 



RYE belongs to the grass family and is a near relative of 

 wheat. It is divided into two main classes known as 

 spring rye and winter rye, each of which is divided into 

 numerous so-called varieties. 



Habits of Growth. Spring rye is sown in the spring 

 and is harvested from 75 to 100 days after sowing. It does 

 not grow so rank as the fall or winter rye and gives a smaller 

 yield, in consequence of which it has not become popular. 

 The principal rye crop of America and Europe is winter 

 rye and this discussion is confined to that crop. 



The growth of rye is similar to that of wheat, but it 

 stools more heavily and withstands drought better. It is 

 a taller plant and will produce a crop on land that is too low 

 in fertility to produce good wheat. It is bearded but not 

 so heavily as to make the beards obnoxious. The straw is 

 clean and strong, and it seldom lodges unless put on very 

 rich mucky soils and sown too thickly. It has perfect 

 flowers and most of them are self -fertilized. Its blossoms 

 are more open than those of most small grains and con- 

 siderable crossing may occur. 



Seed Beds. While fair crops of rye can be secured on 

 soils too low in fertility for other cereals, it responds quickly 

 to good treatment on better grades of soil. It may be 

 sown on sod land that has grown a crop of hay, or it may 

 follow potatoes, corn, or peas to advantage. 



