Organic matter plays a significant role in soil health, crop and livestock production.
Under the Sustainable Farming Incentive farmers can be paid to improve soil health and to help increase organic matter.
ORGANIC MATTER
Soil organic matter is approximately 58% carbon and can store significant quantities of carbon in the soil. UK soils store over 10 billion tonnes of carbon in the form of organic matter. Most arable soils have already lost about 40-60% of their organic carbon.
The annual cost of soil degradation is around £1.2 billion.
SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCENTIVE
The actions for soils are focused on improving soil health, structure, organic matter and biology.
This can:
- improve the long-term productivity and resilience of the soil to benefit food production
- improve water quality
- increase biodiversity
- improve climate resilience
The RPA are improving the existing offer by introducing new actions to pay for:
- no-till farming
- multi-species spring, summer or autumn cover crops
IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH
1a: Actions for soils on all agricultural land types
| Action | Action type (action code) | Duration | Annual payment | Action’s aim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assess soil, test soil organic matter and produce a soil management plan | Existing SFI (SAM1) | 3 years | £6.00 per ha plus £97 per agreement |
You understand the condition of your soil and effectively plan how to increase its long-term health, productivity and resilience
|
1b: Actions for soils on arable land
| Action | Action type (action code) | Duration | Annual payment | Action’s aim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-till farming | New | 3 years | £73 per ha | No-till farming techniques are used to establish crops, so soil disturbance is reduced |
| Enhanced management of maize crops | Existing CS (SW5) | 3 to 5 years (3Y) | £203 per ha |
Maize crops are harvested by early autumn and there is a well-established cover crop during the autumn and winter months
|
1c: Actions for soils on arable land and horticultural permanent crops
| Action | Action type (action code) | Duration | Annual payment | Action’s aim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-species spring, summer or autumn cover | New | 3 years | £153 to £163 per ha | There is a well-established multi-species cover crop during the spring, summer or autumn months |
| Multi-species winter cover crops | Existing SFI (SAM2) | 3 years | £129 per ha |
There is a well-established multi-species cover crop over the winter months
|
1d: Actions for soils on arable land and improved permanent grassland
| Action | Action type (action code) | Duration | Annual payment | Action’s aim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal leys | Existing SFI (SAM3) | 3 years | £382 per ha | To provide varied root structures |
WORMS
Earthworms are detritivores, which means they consume dead organic matter such as plant residues, decaying leaves, and other decomposing organic material found in the soil. Their feeding activities break down and mix organic matter into the soil, enhancing decomposition processes and nutrient cycling.
Earthworms excrete nutrient-rich casts, which are essentially digested organic matter. These casts are deposited on the soil surface or within their burrows, and they contain higher levels of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the surrounding soil. The casting activity contributes to the accumulation of organic matter and improves nutrient availability for plants.
If you would like to discuss applying for the SFI in 2024, please do not hesitate to contact us.
01829 423 183