Navigating SFI – precision farming actions on offer
Precision farming methods have been quoted as ‘taking the guesswork out of farming’1.
Innovations such as variable rate application technology, sensor-guided herbicide and pesticide management, and mechanical weeding methods can help farmers optimise input use, protect soil health and manage crops with greater efficiency. Updates to the 2024 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) include four options under the umbrella of ‘precision farming’ – making technology investments more accessible to growers.
This blog introduces each of these SFI options, setting out the available payment rates and benefits of engaging with each action:
- PRF1 (variable rate application of nutrients)
- PRF2 (camera or remote sensor-guided herbicide spraying)
- PRF3 (non-mechanical robotic weeding)
- PRF4 (mechanical robotic weeding)
PRF1 – Variable rate application of nutrients
Variable rate application of nutrients allows farmers to apply macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium exactly where they are needed, based on soil nutrient mapping and crop needs. Using GPS-guided equipment, farmers can adjust application rates within a single field, maximising crop uptake while minimising nutrient wastage. According to AHDB, optimising nitrogen use is critical for maintaining farm business profitability and environmental stewardship. AHDB studies have shown that variable rate applications can improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by up to 15%, and can lead to a 5-8% yield increase2. This not only maximises the value of fertiliser investments, but also limits the risk of nitrogen leaching into waterways, helping to protect local ecosystems.
Payment rate: £27 per hectare.
Terms:
- VRA equipment must be used when applying at least one major nutrient (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg)) at a rate typically above 100 kilograms (kg) N per ha, 40kg P per ha and 40kg K per ha, per year
- These nutrients could be in the form of OCI fertilisers, solid manures, slurry or digestate
- The VRA equipment must either be pre-programmed using data from zonal soil testing and analysis or linked to sensors on machinery to ensure nutrients are applied in the right amount at the right location
Learn more about SFI action PRF1.
PRF2 – Camera or remote sensor-guided herbicide spraying
Camera or remote sensor-guided spraying technologies detect weeds based on their appearance or infrared signatures, allowing for precise herbicide application. Instead of blanket spraying an entire field, herbicides are only applied where weeds are detected. Research suggests that targeted herbicide application can reduce chemical inputs by up to 40%3 – helping to tackle the growing issue of herbicide resistance while also protecting natural biodiversity.
As part of a holistic approach to integrated pest management (IPM), engaging with action PRF2 allows farmers to maintain effective weed control while using fewer resources, which can have long-term positive effects on soil health and the wider environment.
Payment rate: £43 per hectare per year
Terms:
- Farmers can use this action on fields receiving systemic herbicides to control weeds that can be recognised by camera or remote sensing guided technology
- Currently camera recognition is available for controlling docks and nettles in grassland, all weeds in maize, certain crops grown on wide row spacings (e.g. potatoes) or stubbles with green growth
- Remote sensing technology is guided by artificial intelligence (AI) to recognise target weeds
Learn more about SFI action PRF2
PRF3 – Non-mechanical robotic weeding
PRF3 introduces non-mechanical robotic weeding systems, which remove weeds without the need for tillage or chemicals. Technologies such as lasers, electricity, or heat are used to target weeds while leaving the crop untouched. Non-mechanical weeding is particularly beneficial in organic farming systems or for farmers seeking to reduce chemical inputs, as it eliminates the need for herbicides. By avoiding tillage, farmers can preserve soil structure, organic matter, and water retention. So, action PRF3 provides a good opportunity to integrate weed management into wider soil health improvement initiatives on-farm.
Payment rate: £101 per hectare per year
Terms:
- Eligible on arable land or temporary grassland
- The non-mechanical robotic weeder used must identify and locate weeds, and destroy these using a laser or high voltage electricity
- Residual herbicides can be applied to the crop in the pre-emergence stage, but no other herbicides should be used
Learn more about SFI action PRF3
PRF4 – Mechanical robotic weeding
Similar to PRF3, PRF4 focuses on mechanical robotic weeding but involves using tools like blades or discs to physically remove weeds. These robots are designed to navigate fields with precision, using GPS and sensors to target weeds without damaging the crop. Mechanical robotic weeding is particularly useful in larger arable systems where manual weeding or chemical intervention might be too labour-intensive or costly.
Payment rate: £150 per hectare per year
Terms:
- This action can be completed on arable land, including fallow land, but is not suited to fields used for combinable crops
- Mechanical weeding methods are best suited to root crops or field vegetables e.g. potatoes or sugar beet
- Residual herbicides can be applied to the crop in the pre-emergence stage, but no other herbicides should be used
Learn more about SFI action PRF4
Further advice on the SFI options available in 2024
For further guidance on the SFI options available to arable and livestock farmers to improve production efficiencies while taking care of the environment, explore the following blogs:
- A guide to the SFI 2024 options for arable farmers
- Navigating SFI – How fertiliser fits into nutrient management options
- Navigating SFI – Improving soils
- Navigating SFI 2024 – Key grassland options available to help livestock farmers
References