SFI As part of the updated SFI, cover crops are now included in the ‘ Actions for Soils ’ section, with the aim of protecting the soil surface and improving the soil structure. To be classed as a multi species cover crop, it should contain at least two of the following: brassicas, legumes, herbs, grass or cereals. This gives more scope with choosing a mix that is suitable for each farming situation, but they suggest using a more diverse mix to bring increased benefits. The cover crop has to be well established over the winter months, classified as December – February. An established cover crop can be grazed, so long as it meets the requirements of providing overwinter cover. For destruction of the cover, it should be done after the winter months. However there is a clause that can see it destroyed before then, if establishing an early sown spring crop – this must not be done more than 6 weeks before the spring crop is sown.
There are a wide range of sowing dates, dependent on what the cover crop is going to be used for. Most species will need to be sown by September to have established well enough before winter. Late sown species such as Rye can go in as late as October - this is ideal for following maize harvest. When to sow?
5
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker