The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) launched on 18th September 2023 for English farmers as part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme. It rewards environmentally positive land management practices and and is designed to be more flexible than previous schemes. This article will guide you through the 23 actions available for SFI’23 and ways you can use farm management software to help you choose which actions to apply for and where, plan execution and evidence compliance.
Defra’s new guidelines prioritize outcome over method, stating, ‘It’s up to you how you complete this action,’ allowing for tailored approaches suited to the farm and environmental goals. The shift from inspections to advisory visits is part of a shift to a supportive rather than punitive framework. Essential to success is documenting your actions, a process simplified by farm management software like fieldmargin. That way even if an action is not successful, for example because of inclement weather, you will have evidence you tried.
The SFI is open to farmers who received the the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2022 or 23. The application automatically filters available options based on farm parcel land uses previously reported. The SFI provides an ongoing application process and a promising supplement to farming incomes.
Some options in the scheme will be existing practice for many, such as nutrient management planning or cover crops, or dovetails with other assurance schemes, such as Integrated Pest Management plans.
Fieldmargin: your companion for SFI management
Fieldmargin empowers you to efficiently manage all stages of your Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) application, from initial planning to evidence recording, with its advanced mapping and record-keeping features.
Identifying SFI Action Areas
Leverage your farm records and Field Health satellite imagery within Fieldmargin to make informed decisions on integrating SFI actions, assessing both financial viability and environmental impact.
There are some SFI actions which give you the option to get paid for taking fields or parts of fields out of commercial production, such as AHL1: Pollen and Nectar Flower Mix or IPM2: Establishment of Flower-rich Margins or Blocks. Some other actions reward you for doing things which reduce income in the short term but give you an option to address existing farm issues such as NUM3: Legume Fallow (arable), which will give an opportunity to build soil fertility and address problem weeds. Balancing the financial incentives against implementation costs is crucial.
- Gross Margin Reports: Leverage your field word records to analyze profitability across fields. By reviewing several years of data, identify consistently underperforming areas that might benefit from SFI actions. You should also use the usage gross margin view to check that the field was an outlier compared to others with the same crop.
- Find problem areas with Field Health NDVI: Field Health shows variation in vegetation using NDVI analysis. Use 3+ years of historic imagery to identify consistently poor performing areas
- Review your notes for fields or areas with patterns of problems: Supplement this with your own records of where you have noticed leaching, runoff, pest problems, waterlogging or other issues.
Mapping and Management Execution
Use fieldmargin to draw out SFI actions, as part of the planning and application process to decide where options should go and when doing the agreed management activities.
- Set Field Usages: Field usages aren’t just for crops. Create field usages for your SFI management options and then record them on your farm.
- Draw buffer strips and more with sub-fields: Record field divisions for SFI actions such as buffer strips or field corners. The magin tool means all you have to do is set the width and the calculations, including area of options, are done for you.
- Hedge Drawing and Measurement: Features to to accurately draw and measure hedges as part of the hedgerow management actions under SFI.
- Track option areas: Usage and feature type summaries make it easy to see total area of each agreement action.
- Store important information for actions using field descriptions: Each field can have a description where you can add any information for the field which you may find important.
Evidence Recording for Compliance
Maintain a digital record of of how you have worked to follow the aims of each agreed management action so that all the information is on hand in the event of a visit.
- Record Field Management: Plan and record completion of field jobs related to SFI management actions, such as drilling cover crops. This ensures timely and accurate execution. Add photos for further evidence alongside completion information.
- Keep a visual record with located notes: Create located notes to store evidence such as pictures and files. These can be attached to fields, sub-fields or features, forming part of their history for easy reference.
Farm Financials
- Cost tracking: Field costs work at a sub-field level so you can easily get the expenditure for particular management actions.
- Log income: Incorporate the income from SFI by setting these up as outputs so they can be factored into field margin calculations.
Available SFI options: an overview
| Code | SFI Action | Description | Annual Payment |
| Actions for Soils | |||
| SAM1 | Soil Assessment and Management Plan | Conduct a soil assessment, test for soil organic matter, and produce a management plan to improve soil health. | £5.80 per ha + £95 per agreement |
| SAM2 | Winter Multi-species Cover Crops (arable) | Plant a mix of cover crops during winter to prevent erosion and improve soil structure. | £129 per ha |
| SAM3 | Establishment of Herbal Leys (grassland) | Sow a mix of grasses, legumes, and herbs to enhance soil structure and provide high-quality forage. | £382 per ha |
| Actions for Moorland | |||
| MOR1 | Moorland assessment and plan | Evaluate moorland conditions and generate a written record to guide sustainable management. | £10.30 per ha + £265 per agreement |
| Actions for Hedgerows | |||
| HRW1 | Hedgerow Condition Assessment | Assess and document the condition of hedgerows to plan for sustainable management. | £3 per 100m – one side |
| HRW2 | Hedgerow Management | Implement management practices to maintain healthy hedgerows with a range of widths and heights, which serve as habitat for wildlife. | £10 per 100m – one side |
| HRW3 | Hedgerow Tree Maintenance or Establishment | Maintain existing or establish new hedgerow trees to enhance biodiversity and landscape connectivity with an average of 1 tree per 100m. | £10 per 100m – both sides |
| Actions for Integrated Pest Management | |||
| IPM1 | Integrated Pest Management Assessment and Plan | Assess current pest management practices and create an integrated plan for sustainable pest control. | £989 per year |
| IPM2 | Establishment of Flower-rich Margins or Blocks | Create flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips to create habitats beneficial insects. | £673 per ha |
| IPM3 | Companion Cropping on Arable/Horticultural Land | Plant beneficial species alongside main crops to suppress pests and improve soil health. | £55 per ha |
| IPM4 | No Insecticide Usage on Arable and Permanent Crops | Do not use insecticides to encourage natural pest control and enhance biodiversity. | £45 per ha |
| Actions for Nutrient Management | |||
| NUM1 | Nutrient Management Assessment and Plan | Evaluate nutrient management practices and produce a review outlining planned management. | £589 per year |
| NUM2 | Legumes on Improved Grassland | Grow legumes on improved grassland during spring and early autumn to enhance soil fertility and provide high-quality forage. | £102 per ha |
| NUM3 | Legume Fallow (arable) | Establish a legume fallow that flowers during late spring and summer to improve soil fertility and structure while providing wildlife habitat. | £593 per ha |
| Actions for Arable and Horticultural Land | |||
| AHL1 | Pollen and Nectar Flower Mix | Plant a mix of flowering plants to provide food for pollinators and enhance biodiversity. | £614 per ha |
| AHL2 | Winter Bird Food | Grow a mix of crops that provide food for farmland birds during winter. | £732 per ha |
| AHL3 | Grassy Field Corners and Block | Establish grassy field corners and blocks to provide habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects. | £590 per ha |
| AHL4 | Grass Buffer Strip (4- 12m) on Arable/Horticultural Land | Establish grass buffer strips to reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and provide wildlife habitat. | £451 per ha |
| Actions for Improved Grassland | |||
| IGL1 | Grassland Field Corners or Blocks | Take areas of grassland out of management to create wildlife habitats. | £333 per ha |
| IGL2 | Winter Bird Food on Improved Grassland | Plant a mix of crops to provide winter food for farmland birds. | £474 per ha |
| IGL3 | Grass Buffer Strip (4-12m) on Improved Grassland | Grass buffer strips on improved grassland for runoff reduction and habitat creation. | £235 per hectare |
| Actions for Low Input Grassland | |||
| LIG1/LIG2 | Very Low Nutrient Input Management (Outside and Inside SDAs) | Manage grassland with minimal nutrient inputs to promote natural vegetation diversity. | £151 per ha |
| Additional Payments | |||
| – | Common Land Payment (Group application) | Additional payment for a group of 2 or more people applying for an SFI agreement on common land. | £6.15 per ha* |
| – | SFI Management Payment | Additional payment for the first 50 hectares entered into relevant SFI actions, per Single Business Identifier (SBI). | £20 per ha* |
SFI Options in more detail
Contents – skip to the option you want to know more about
Actions for soils
Assess Soil, Test Soil Organic Matter and Produce a Soil Management Plan (SAM1)
Overview
This action requires farmers to assess soil conditions, test soil organic matter, and create a soil management plan to enhance soil health and fertility.
Payment Rate
£5.80 per hectare, plus an additional payment of £95 per agreement
What to do
Assess your soil and create a soil management plan for all land parcels in this action, as well as having tested soil organic matter (SOM) within the last 5 years. Existing soil plans or SOM test results can be used if they meet the criteria. For small land parcels with similar soil type and management, a combined SOM test can be conducted. This must be completed within the first 12 months of the SFI agreement reviewed annually. SOM should be retested as needed to be in a 5 year window.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You must keep of your SOM test results and your soil management plan.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Digitally store your soil test results, either using Monitoring Sites or by attaching the file received from your lab to a note.
- Upload photographs of your soil while conducting visual soil assessments.
- Record locations for soil sampling and dates using located notes.
- Store information about each field, such as soil type, using field descriptions.
- Use notes and jobs to keep a log of how you are implementing your soil management plan and track progress over time.
Multi-species Winter Cover Crops (SAM2)
Overview
Plant multi-species cover crops during winter to help prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and enhancing soil organic matter.
Payment Rate
£129 per hectare
What to do
The cover crop should have a mix with at least two species at least two species from one or more of the plant families brassicae, legumes, grass or cereals, and herbs. The aim is to have leafy vegetation sufficiently grown to shield the soil surface throughout winter. INo mechanical application of fertilisers or manures is allowed on these cover crops, although grazing is permitted. The cover crop should be established annually for December to February.Post winter, the cover crop can be destroyed, especially when preparing for an early-sown spring crop.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Some of the evidence you could store includes records of the species mix planted, dates of planting and termination, invoices for seed purchased and photographs of the drilling cover crops. This is helpful in case the crop does not take.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Record the dates of planting and termination using Field Jobs as well as the seed mix used.
- Attach pdfs or photos of invoices for the seed to your Jobs.
- Attach post-drilling photos on your jobs.
- Upload photographs of the cover crops.
- Record areas where cover crops were planted with field usages and sub-fields. Learn how here.
Herbal Leys (SAM3)
Overview
Establish a herbal ley with a mix of grasses, legumes, and herbs to improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and provide high-quality forage. This diverse mix also supports a range of wildlife, including pollinators and farmland birds.
Payment Rate
£382 per hectare
What to do
The leys should be established within the first year and maintained throughout the SFI agreement. The action can rotate around the farm if it meets the action’s objectives annually. Existing herbal leys can be used unless already funded by another scheme.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Evidence you could keep includes records of seeding rates, species included, dates of establishment, invoices for seed and photographs of the established herbal leys.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Document establishment, including the date, seeding rates and species mix using field jobs.
- Upload photographs of the established herbal leys and attach them to notes on your fields to provide visual evidence of compliance.
- Record the areas for SAM3 with field usages.
Actions for Moorland
Assess Moorland and Produce a Written Record (MOR1)
Overview
This action requires the assessment of moorland conditions and the creation of a written record to guide sustainable moorland management which will ensure the preservation of unique habitats.
Payment Rate
£10.30 per hectare with an additional payment of £265 per agreement
What to do
Survey moorland, dividing it into 10ha blocks, and select a sample point in each for evaluation. You should assess soil, vegetation, and historic features, using the data to identify current environmental benefits and potential enhancements. The initial survey should be conducted within the first year of the SFI agreement and repeated annually at different sample points.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You must keep a record the survey and assessment conducted and a written management plan with areas identified for improvement.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Use located notes to plan your sample points, navigate to them using the fieldmargin app and your phone GPS.
- Record your observation at each sample point including photographs of vegetation.
- Use features to map out moorland areas.
- Upload and store any other assessment records and management plan, making them easily accessible for future reference.
- Capture images over time at sample points to show adherence to the management plan and document any improvements.
Actions for Hedgerows
Assess and Record Hedgerow Condition (HRW1)
Overview
Assess and record the condition of hedgerows as a baseline for planning for their sustainable management to enhance biodiversity.
Payment Rate
£3 per 100 meters (one side)
What to do
Assess the condition of all hedgerows in the assessment and document it. If a recent (last 5 years) assessment exists, it can be reused. The initial assessment should be done within the first 12 months of the SFI agreement, with annual reviews thereafter.
Evidence and Record Keeping
A written or digital record of the hedgerow condition assessment is essential and must be supplied if requested. This would include observations, photographs depicting the condition of hedgerows and any recommendations for management.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Use features to draw your hedges included in the agreement to be assessed.
- Use located notes to store information as you conduct your assessments. Drop a pin for each place you assess using your phone GPS and add comments for observations and photos.
- If you record each section to assess as seperate features you can attach your notes to them so you have a history and log for each part.
Manage Hedgerows (HRW2)
Overview
Managing hedgerows involves activities like trimming and gapping up hedges, and ensuring they remain in a healthy condition to provide habitat for wildlife and act as landscape features.
Payment Rate
£10 per 100 meters (one side)
What to do
Manage hedgerows either incrementally or on a rotation basis, depending on their growth stage. Established hedgerows should be managed annually or bi/triennially during autumn and winter. Newly planted or not fully established hedgerows should be lightly trimmed incrementally during these seasons until fully established.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Keep evidence of management activities carried out with dates of these activities, and photographs showing the condition of hedgerows before and after.
With fieldmargin you can:
- Measure the length of hedges to be managed with features.
- Use tasks to mark out where hedge management needs to be done, with due dates to remind you or your team. Mark these as complete to log the date of completed.
- Attach photos and comments to your tasks to store evidence of what was done.
Maintain or Establish Hedgerow Trees (HRW3)
Overview
Maintain of existing hedgerow trees or the establish new ones to enhance biodiversity and landscape connectivity.
Payment Rate
£10 per 100 meters (both sides)
What to do
Ensure an average of 1 hedgerow tree per 100m across all hedgerows in the action. This can be achieved by maintaining existing trees or establishing new ones, which should be clearly tagged. Dead or dying trees can be included in the count, but not newly planted saplings that die before establishing. Trees should not be damaged or cut unless necessary. This action must be completed by the end of the SFI agreement, with evidence of completion kept and provided upon request.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Store records of maintenance activities or tree planting, dates of these activities, and photographs depicting the condition of hedgerow trees.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Use features to measure the length of hedges to be included in the option.
- Mark where there are existing trees or trees to be established in hedges using different feature types. For existing trees you can mark these on your phone when out in the field using your phone GPS.
- Use the measuring tool to check the spacing of trees.
- Use located notes and tasks to store photos of the trees and a record of any maintenance completed.
Actions for Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Assess Integrated Pest Management and Produce a Plan (IPM1)
Overview
Assess current pest management practices and create a plan for integrated pest management to minimize pest impact while promoting environmental health.
Payment Rate
£989 per year
What to do
Have a BASIS-qualified adviser assess the farm’s pest, weed, and disease management approaches and help write an IPM plan within the first year of the SFI agreement, followed by annual reviews. If the farmer is a BASIS qualified adviser, they can self-assess. Existing IPM plans done by a BASIS qualified adviser within the last 12 months can be used.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Keep a written record of the IPM plan and assessment as well as details of the BASIS advisor including BASIS registration number.
Flower-rich Grass Margins, Blocks or In-field Strips (IPM2)
Overview
Establish flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips to provide habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators, as well as helping natural pest control.
Payment Rate
£673 per hectare
What to do
Create and maintain flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips land. The seed mix for them should comprise include at least four grass species, excluding ryegrass, and ten wildflower species. Once established, these areas must be managed without mechanical fertilization, pesticide use. It should not be cut or grazed in a way prevents the achievement of this action’s aim.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Keep records of establishment dates, species mix used, and photographs showing the flower-rich areas.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Map out areas within your fields for this option. With sub-fields you can easily map the areas for this option using the cut out and margin tools and then assign a usage of IPM2 to them.
- Use Field Jobs feature to record establishment dates, including the seed mix used as an input. You could also attach photos from establishment or invoices for seed.
- Use notes to record located photos of the flower-rich areas when flowering.
Companion Crop on Arable and Horticultural Land (IPM3)
Overview
Plant beneficial species alongside main crops to suppress pests, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity.
Payment Rate
£55 per hectare
What to do
Establish and maintain a companion crop alongside the main arable or horticultural crop. How you do this will depend on your crop and pest to be controlled. You can use things like:
- Trap cropping – this attracts pests away from the crop and can be grown in plots or in-between the main crop.
- Inter-cropping – here you sow the main and companion crop together and harvest them together. This can suppress weeds, reduce disease and pests and provide nutrients.
- Undersowing – Sow a secondary crop as a living mulch to improve soil nutrients, prevent erosion and control weeds.
This action should be done yearly during the 3-year SFI agreement, or within 12 months from the agreement start if it begins late.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Record the species mix used, dates of planting and termination, and photographs showing the companion crops.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Record areas where companion crops are to be planted. For trap crops to be planted in plots you could use feature or note areas.
- Use Field Jobs to record planting and termination dates and the companion crop planted.
- Attach notes to fields with photos to show companion crops growing.
No Use of Insecticide on Arable Crops and Permanent Crops (IPM4)
Overview
Do not use any insecticides on arable and permanent crops to promote natural pest control and enhance biodiversity.
Payment Rate
£45 per hectare
What to do
Applying insecticides including nematicides and acaricides on land for this action is prohibited. Other plant protection products are allowed. This must be adhered to each year of the 3-year SFI agreement.
Evidence and Record Keeping
While you can’t keep evidence of something you have not done you can record all other management and treatments for the field as well as any control actions undertaken instead of using insecticides. For example, purchase records of other pest control methods used, and any monitoring data on insect levels and crop damage.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Record data on pest levels and crop damage using notes and monitoring sites. This will also help you to measure the impact that not using insecticides has had on production. You could also log the number of beneficial insects seen to help you track any improvement due to stopping insecticide use.
Actions for Nutrient Management
Assess Nutrient Management and Produce a Review Report (NUM1)
Overview
Evaluate current nutrient management practices and create a report to identify areas of improvement. This assessment aims to ensure nutrient applications are optimized for crop needs while minimizing environmental impact.
Payment Rate
£589 per year
What to do
A FACTS qualified adviser from the BASIS Professional Register must visit your farm to evaluate current nutrient use, discuss increasing nutrient efficiency, and help create a nutrient management review report. If you are a FACTS qualified adviser, you can do this yourself. If a review has been conducted by a FACTS adviser in the last 12 months, it can be used for this action. The adviser should visit within the first year of your SFI agreement, and annually afterwards.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You must keep a written record of the review report and the adviser’s qualifications, to be provided upon request.
You could use your fieldmargin records during your discussion with your FACTS advisor to help explain existing management and nutrient use. For example, by showing fertiliser records with nutrients applied, soil sample records or animal grazing records.
Legumes in Improved Grassland (NUM2)
Overview
Grow legumes on improved grassland to improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen while providing high-quality forage, and improving soil structure.
Payment Rate
£102 per hectare
What to do
Legumes should be established on improved grassland, with types like red clover, white clover, sainfoin, lucerne, alsike clover, or bird’s foot trefoil. Legumes can be added to an existing grass sward or sown with grass. Once established, they should be maintained to achieve the action’s aim of having legumes growing from spring to early autumn (usually March to September). Legumes can be cut or grazed as long as this aim is met. Sowing should ideally occur in March or April or after a silage cut. Existing legumes can be used if not under another scheme like CS option GS4. Initiate this within the first 12 months of your 3-year SFI agreement, maintaining it yearly.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You could keep records of the legumes planted, dates of planting and maintenance activities (including when it was grazed or cut), and photographs showing the legume growth.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Mark areas for legume planting with field usages.
- Use Field Jobs feature to record planting dates and maintenance activities.
- Attach photographs to notes to show legumes growing in the specified period.
Legume Fallow (NUM3)
Overview
Establishing a legume fallow on arable land to improve soil fertility, structure, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Payment Rate
£593 per hectare
What to do
Establish a legume fallow by sowing a mix of at least 6 flowering species including legumes like alsike clover or lucerne, and possibly grasses like cocksfoot. Post-establishment, maintain it by not grazing livestock (if you wish to graze SAM3 may be more suitable), applying fertilisers, or using pesticides except for specific weed control. Cutting is only allowed to control certain weeds. Existing legume fallows can be used if they meet the requirements and aren’t under another environmental scheme.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You could keep evidence such as records of the species mix used, dates of establishment, and photographs showing the legume fallow.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Map where it is to be done by giving fields the usage NUM3.
- Use Field Jobs feature to plan establishing your fallows, record the seed mix as inputs and record when it was done.
- Keep notes on the fields with photos of the fallow when established.
Actions for Farmland Wildlife on Arable and Horticultural Land
Pollen and Nectar Flower Mix (AHL1)
Overview
Enhance farmland biodiversity by establishing pollen and nectar-rich habitats to support pollinators.
Payment Rate
£614 per hectare
What to do
Establish and maintain areas with a grass-free pollen and nectar flower mix, using at least six flower species and including two of Common knapweed, Musk mallow, Oxeye daisy, Wild carrot, Yarrow. No single species can make up more than 50% of the seed mix. Once established, the areas cannot be cut or grazed in a way that undermines the action’s goals, and no fertilizers or manures can be applied. If maintaining existing areas, they must comply with these rules and not be funded by another scheme. These areas should be established within the first year and maintained throughout the 3-year SFI agreement, with flexibility if rotating the action around the farm.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You could keep records of the species mix used, dates of establishment, and photographs showing the flowering areas.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Map out areas for the pollen and nectar mix.
- Use Field Jobs to record the dates of establishment and species mix used with photos of establishment and seed invoices.
- Store photos of the areas flowering using notes.
Winter Bird Food on Arable and Horticultural Land (AHL2)
Overview
Plant a mix of crops that provide food for farmland birds during the winter, supporting wildlife during the months when food is scarce.
Payment Rate
£732 per hectare
What to do
Establish and maintain blocks or strips sown with a mix of at least six different crops, excluding those unsuitable for small farmland birds like artichokes and maize. The mix should provide a continuous seed source and can include a variety of annuals such as cereals and brassicas. Biennial crops like kale, stubble turnip, or teasel can be included in a 2-year mix. These areas should be established within the first year and maintained annually to ensure a consistent seed supply for birds.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You could record the species mix used, dates of planting and harvest, and store photographs showing the established areas.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Map out where the bird food will be planted. If it will be in blocks or strips in fields you can mark these using sub-fields.
- Plan and record establishment using Field Jobs. You could also attach photos and invoices for seed purchase.
Grassy Field Corners and Blocks (AHL3)
Overview
Establish grassy field corners and blocks provides habitat for wildlife, promoting biodiversity and creating refuges for beneficial insects.
Payment Rate
£590 per hectare
What to do
Grassy field corners or blocks on arable and horticultural land can be sown them or allowed to regenerate naturally. Initially, regular cutting or grazing is allowed to manage weeds and promote grass growth. After about a year, when established, maintain them in a way that aligns with the action’s goals. Avoid excessive grazing, cutting (except for specific weed control), vehicle use, disturbing breeding birds, and applying fertilisers or pesticides, except for targeted weed control. These areas should be established in the first year and consistently maintained throughout the 3-year SFI agreement.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You could records establishment dates, photographs showing the grassy areas, and any maintenance activities carried out.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Use sub-fields to map out areas for grassy field corners or blocks. The slice drawing tool is particularly helpful for cutting out a corner of a field.
- Use field jobs and notes to record any establishment or management you do and to store photos.
4m to 12m Grass Buffer Strip on Arable and Horticultural Land (AHL4)
Overview
Establish grass buffer strips of 4-12m on arable and horticultural land which aids in reducing runoff, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife, particularly ground-nesting birds and small mammals.
Payment Rate
£451 per hectare
What to do
The grass buffer strip should be at least 4m to 12m wide along the edges of arable and horticultural land. The strip should border existing landscape or heritage features such as hedgerows, walls, woodlands, or watercourses. It is additional to any regulatory buffer requirements. Maintain the strip to promote habitat diversity, including a late summer cut for shorter vegetation while avoiding disturbance to wildlife. Avoid using it for vehicle access or applying fertilizers and pesticides, except for specific weed control. This must be established within the first year and maintained throughout the SFI agreement.
Evidence are Record Keeping
Keep records of establishment, maintenance such as when it has been cut and photographs showing the buffer strips over time.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Use sub-fields and the margin drawing tool to quickly add a margin of a given width around a field.
- Use Field Jobs or notes on the sub-field to record maintenance and store photos.
Actions for Farmland Wildlife on Improved Grassland
Take Improved Grassland Field Corners or Block out of Management (IGL1)
Overview
Take areas of improved grassland out of management to create habitats for wildlife and promote biodiversity.
Payment Rate
£333 per hectare
What to do
Grassland field corners or blocks designated under this action, they must be left unmanaged to allow for natural growth. Livestock grazing and cutting are prohibited unless it’s for controlling invasive species or weeds. Activities that might disturb wildlife, particularly breeding birds, are not allowed. Fertilizers, manures, lime, and pesticides are also not to be applied, except for specified herbicides for weed control. This management approach must be applied consistently throughout the three-year duration of the SFI agreement.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You could keep records of the areas taken out of management, dates when this action was implemented, and photographs showing the condition of these areas over time.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Use sub-fields to draw the areas taken out of management and the ares. The slice drawing tool is particularly helpful for drawing field corners.
- Use notes to record the dates of implementation and store photos showing the condition of these areas.
Winter Bird Food on Improved Grassland (IGL2)
Overview
Plant a mix of crops that offer food resources for farmland birds during winter.
Payment Rate
£474 per hectare
What to do
To maintain improved grassland under this action, it must be managed to the aim of providing winter bird food. This includes cutting for silage or hay in a way that allows plants to go to seed, and leaving it un-grazed after the final cut. This can apply to existing maintained grassland if it’s not under another payment scheme and meets SFI criteria. Maintenance should begin within the first year of the SFI agreement and continue throughout the 3-year term.
Evidence and Record Keeping
You could keep records of the last cut or grazing date and photos showing the field gone to seed.
With fieldmargin, you can:
- Use silage making jobs on fields to record the date of cutting for silage.
- Record grazing dates with herd locations.
- Make notes attached to fields with photos to show the field over winter.
4m to 12m Grass Buffer Strip on Improved Grassland (IGL3)
Overview
Establishing grass buffer strips on improved grassland to reduce runoff, promote soil conservation, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Payment Rate
£235 per hectare
What to do
Create and maintain a grass buffer strip that’s at least 4m to 12m wide on the edge of improved grassland, buffering features like hedgerows or watercourses. The strip should be maintained throughout the year and can be grazed, ensuring it remains intact without causing soil compaction. You cannot cut it for hay, use it for regular vehicle access, or apply fertilizers and pesticides. This strip must be established within the first year of the SFI agreement and maintained annually, separate from other agri-environment schemes.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Maintain records which show that the area treated for any field jobs like cutting or fertilizer application excluded this area and store photos of the buffer.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Map sub-fields to record the area to be used as a buffer. It is easy to add these using the margin tool – all you have to do is set the width and they are drawn for you.
- When making field jobs you can then record applications only on the remaining area.
Actions for Low Input Grassland
Manage Grassland with Very Low Nutrient Inputs (Outside or Inside SDAs) (LIG1/2)
Overview
Managing grassland with very low nutrient inputs to promote natural vegetation diversity and support wildlife habitats. There are two identical actions with the same payment rate depending on if land is in an SDA (severely disadvantaged area).
Payment Rate
£151 per hectare
What to do
Manage grassland with minimal nutrient inputs, not exceeding 12 tonnes of cattle manure per hectare annually, or its equivalent in other organic or inorganic fertilizers. Grazing and cutting should be managed to promote the action’s environmental aims, with an intact grass sward maintained throughout the year, avoiding soil compaction or exposure. No industrial by-products or pesticides are allowed. If cutting for forage, avoid grazing for at least 7 weeks during spring and summer, and leave margins uncut to protect wildlife. This management should be consistent with preserving historical or archaeological features on the land.
Evidence and Record Keeping
Keep records of nutrient applications, photographs showing the grassland conditions, and any maintenance activities carried out.
In fieldmargin, you can:
- Use Field Jobs to record fertilizer applications.
- Whether this is organic or inorganic fertiliser you can set NPK levels which will be stored on the job as quantity applied and in the nutrient management report so you have the total quantities applied.
- Record any grazing using livestock herds.
- Use silage/hay baling field jobs to record any silage cuts with the date and yield.
- Use notes to record observations with photos. and maintenance activities, while the notes feature can be used to document any observations regarding vegetation diversity and wildlife utilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2023 presents an opportunity for farmers to be rewarded for eco-friendly farming practices. While it may seem like a huge amount of options there is flexibility in how the actions are followed as long as the aim of the action is worked towards and there is suitable evidence of this.
With fieldmargin planning where to have stewardship agreements like the SFI, planning how to follow the standards and recording compliance is straightforward and fits into your day-to-day workflow.
Ready to have a go?
You can get started by signing up at www.fieldmargin.com
Got questions about using fieldmargin for SFI?
Learn more about the Sustainable Farming Incentive and how to apply