Barley is a cool-season annual cereal grain commonly grown throughout the country. Very quick to establish and produces more biomass in a shorter time than other cereal grains. More productive on alkaline and saline soils than other cover crops. Barley adapts well to most soils and is fairly drought tolerant. Excellent for use as a cover crop, green manure and nurse crop. Can be planted in areas that receive at least 12 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific name: Hordeum vulgare

This cool-season, introduced annual bunchgrass is well adapted to most soils and sites throughout the US. Oats is the most palatable of all cereal grains to livestock and wildlife, and is especially beneficial as a component in food plots. Also works well as a cover crop and green manure. When planted with slower-growing forages, oats acts as an excellent companion crop. Can be planted in areas with at least 13 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific name: Avena sativa