A guide to the SFI 2024 options for arable farmers
The new Sustainable Farming Incentive actions, available as of June 2024, present a rewarding opportunity for arable farmers in England to adopt more sustainable and productive farming practices.
Based on farmer feedback, the SFI scheme has been expanded to offer 102 actions – all related to improving the environment as well as farm productivity.
Not only are there 23 new options, which include precision farming, water management and agroforestry-focused actions, but the scheme also now includes 57 improved actions taken from the Countryside Stewardship initiative.
For growers looking to make their business more resilient, as well as more nature-friendly, it is well worth considering the SFI actions on offer.
This blog explores some of the newly available actions relevant to arable farmers, and how implementing them could help enhance farm business efficiencies and sustainability long-term.
SFI actions for soil health
Soil health is a fundamental aspect of sustainable farming, impacting everything from crop yields to environmental resilience.
The 2024 SFI update offers several actions specifically aimed at improving soil health for arable farmers in England.
Key actions include:
Soil management planning
[table “457” not found /]This action aims to assess soil health, identify soil issues, and plan management practices to improve soil structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling. By doing so, there is potential to enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and improve water retention.
Farmers are required to conduct regular soil assessments, including testing for soil organic matter and nutrient levels, to ensure effective management.
Assessing nutrient levels within soils is crucial for growers to be able to implement targeted fertiliser applications that support optimal crop performance.
Planting cover crops
[table “458” not found /]Cover crops are crucial for preventing soil erosion, improving soil structure, and enhancing nutrient cycling. The benefits include increased soil organic matter, reduced nutrient runoff, and provision of habitat for beneficial organisms.
Each of the SFI actions for planting cover crops focuses on different aspects of soil health and management.
CSAM2 focuses on advanced soil management through detailed mapping and targeted interventions.
SOH2 aims to increase soil organic matter by incorporating organic materials, whereas SOH3 seeks to reduce soil compaction to improve soil structure and root health.
SOH4 emphasises maintaining soil cover year-round to prevent erosion and enhance soil health.
By understanding these differences, farmers can select the actions that best align with their goals to improve overall soil health and sustainability.
Farmers should select their cover crop mix based on soil type, climate and the following crop in the rotation to maximise these benefits.
Reducing soil disturbance
[table “459” not found /]This action involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage.
The aim is to enhance soil health by increasing organic matter, improving water retention, reducing erosion, and promoting biodiversity
To implement this action, farmers should use specialised equipment designed for direct drilling, manage crop residues appropriately to ensure effective soil cover and nutrient recycling and monitor soil health regularly to assess the impact of no-till practices and make adjustments if necessary.
SFI actions for integrated pest management
Using integrated pest management practices promotes natural pest control methods, enhances soil biodiversity, and reduces chemical impacts on soil organisms.
These actions support healthy soil ecosystems, reducing pesticide residues, and promote sustainable pest control are the key benefits.
[table “460” not found /]Farmers should develop and implement an IPM plan that includes biological controls, crop rotation, and habitat management, informed by a FACTS qualified adviser.
When implementing action CIPM2, growers must bear in mind that it is not permitted to mechanically apply any fertilisers or manures on the flower-rich margin, block or strip.
SFI actions for agroforestry
Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into arable and livestock farming systems, offers numerous benefits.
The agroforestry actions within SFI are brand new for 2024.
[table “461” not found /]The primary goal of these actions is to create more diverse and resilient farming systems by integrating woody perennials into cropping, which can improve soil health, provide habitat for wildlife, enhance carbon sequestration, and diversify farm income.
‘Very low density’ means establishing an average of 30 to 50 trees per hectare, and ‘less sensitive land’ refers to arable land or temporary grassland that is not designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), a priority habitat or other sensitive area.
‘Low density’ equates to 51 to 130 trees per hectare, on average, so there is a higher focus on tree integration for AGF2, compared to AGF1.
For these actions, farmers need to establish a mix of tree and shrub species appropriate for their local conditions and farming systems, with regular care and strategic integration to maximise benefits.
SFI actions for precision farming
The precision farming SFI actions aim to enhance agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability through the use of advanced technologies.
[table “462” not found /]For example, PRF1 focuses on optimising fertiliser application by using precision techniques such as GPS-guided equipment and variable rate application systems.
By conducting detailed soil nutrient mapping, farmers can apply fertilisers precisely where needed, improving crop uptake, reducing nutrient loss and making the most of input costs.
Read more information on embracing technology to apply nutrients more precisely and efficiently.
SFI actions for nutrient management
Improving on-farm nutrient management involves assessing current nutrient use and needs to ensure they balance, with support from a FACTS qualified adviser.
This can highlight opportunities to increase the efficiency of nutrient usage.
[table “463” not found /]Actions NUM2 and NUM3 both focus on the use of legumes to improve soil health and fertility through natural nitrogen fixation.
NUM2 targets improved grassland areas by integrating legumes with existing swards, while NUM3 involves setting aside areas for legume fallows to enhance biodiversity and soil fertility.
Applying for the expanded SFI offer
Throughout June 2024, farmers will be invited to apply for the latest SFI offering. This controlled rollout should be complete by the end of July 2024.
To receive an invite, farmers should first express interest in applying with the RPA.
To read more about what each action requires, the full details of all 102 actions in the expanded SFI offer are listed on the Defra website.