By Douglas B. Gucker
Annual rye grass (ARG) is a popular choice by some for an over wintering cover crop. ARG is very good at scavenging excess soil nitrogen and it is excellent for breaking up deep soil compaction.
However, its adaptability, quick establishment, and aggressive growth are also considered to be characteristics of a weed. For all these reasons, this cover crop can be one of the most difficult to terminate.
"Successful Annual Ryegrass Termination with Herbicides" is a recent Purdue University publication. It covers the importance of buying ARG seed from a known source and a known variety, DO NOT plant ARG seed blends. Also, the researchers at Purdue University share their results from herbicide trials and show which herbicide combinations and adjuvants successfully terminate an annual rye grass cover crop.
Source: illinois.edu