J Pike,

According to our MSU extension agent, on all of there forage testing, annual rye was the most tolerant of low ph. At the same time, I have experienced a total die-off of rye on a field in the mid-4' s for ph.

The difficulty of applying lime is often exagerated. All of my lime recommendations for my 9 food plots totaling 5 5/8 acres and ranges of 4.1 to 5.0, were around 4 tons per acre. During the past 4 years I' ve put out over 28 tons of lime, with around 6 tons put out by hand. It is relatively easy. You just get the powdered, bagged lime-I pay $50 a ton, open the end of the bag, and walk with it spreading the lime about 4' to 5' as you walk a normal pace. At this pace you spread around 4 tons per acre, and 2 guys, and 2 ATV' s can get the job done of applying 2 tons, on a 1/2 acre, in under 2 hours, if you have to make 15 minute round trips to pick up you lime at 500#' s per ATV at a time. Get 3 or 4 guys together, and I bet you could spread 4 or 5 tons in a 1/2 day or less. I know you can, because I' ve done it.

Another thing, every plant has it' s optimum ph level. Spread the recommended amount, and your plantings will be much more productive and worth your time. I' ve only ever used rye for my first plantings on a new field, and that' s it, and even then I always mix some clover and brassicas. You' d be surprised how fast clover can take on a new field, with the right amount of lime applied.

Try spreading the lime by hand, it' s pretty easy and I' d never let it keep me from a good planting, especially if you are working with just a few acres, and have a partner or two to help.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan