Integrating SFI No-Till Practices into Sustainable Crop Management

The updated Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for 2024 introduces a no-till action that offers payments of £73 per hectare for the duration of a three-year agreement.

This initiative, referred to as SOH1, requires the use of direct drills—be it tine, disc, or precision seed drills—while ensuring that harrow tines, if used, are positioned to face rearward.

Consequently, any conventional or shallow minimum tillage equipment is prohibited on fields participating in this action, with the exception of stubble rakes and straw harrows that also possess rearward-facing tines.

For further details, see: SFI 2024 changes: What they mean for arable farmers

In a bid to enhance success rates and tackle climate-related issues, practices such as low-disturbance subsoiling to alleviate compaction and mole draining for improved natural drainage are permitted.

Farmers Weekly consulted two independent agronomists for their insights on making no-till work effectively, the potential for changing agricultural practices, and common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Joe Cluley, Indigro

Making No-Till Effective

Joe Cluley, an independent agronomist from Indigro based in the north Cotswolds, notes that the success of no-till is largely determined by soil porosity. A lack of porosity can impede crop development.

He identifies three primary methods to enhance porosity: employing tillage, utilizing root systems and soil biology, or a blend of the two. No matter the method chosen, the goal is to ensure air circulation and proper water infiltration.

Indicators of readiness for no-till include observing worm channels and a crumbly soil texture reminiscent of chocolate cake.

“In well-functioning systems, soil porosity is primarily maintained through biological processes, which thrive on living roots, diverse plant species, and organic amendments,” Joe explains. “Thus, crop rotations must be structured to support this. For many farmers, this means implementing wider rotations that involve cover and companion crops, along with bi-cropping methods.”

Common Pitfalls

A frequent mistake that Joe encounters is a hasty transition to no-till without adjusting crop rotation. “Maximizing soil cover is crucial to mitigate the effects of rainfall on the soil surface and encourage varied plant root structures to explore the soil. Such conditions foster soil microbe activity, promote aggregation, and enhance soil functionality,” he advises.

He suggests initially reducing tillage intensity, enriching the soil with organic amendments, and diversifying crop varieties. “For compacted soil, mechanical adjustments might be necessary first.” Another consideration is the impact of straw chopping. “Decomposing straw can deplete soil nitrogen, potentially harming subsequent crop establishment. It may also attract slugs and alter seed depth,” Joe points out. Solutions include cutting stubble higher and evenly distributing straw or choosing to bale it.

When to Avoid No-Till

Joe cautions that soils suffering severe compaction and heavy traffic are not suitable for an immediate no-till approach. “The heavy rains this growing season have highlighted this issue. Poor porosity led to water pooling, causing seed rot in some cases. Moreover, pre-emergence herbicides were displaced into the seeding zone, impacting germination,” he explains. “Unless you’re confident in your soil’s structure, consider subsoiling or utilizing summer cover crops, which are also eligible for SFI funding, to improve soil health.”

© Tim Scrivener

2. Paul Cawood, Soil First Farming

A Strong Incentive

Paul Cawood, an independent agronomist with Soil First Farming in Shropshire/Cheshire, sees the no-till action as an excellent incentive for farmers aiming to mitigate soil degradation, enhance water quality, and work more harmoniously with natural systems.

“The £73/ha payment is beneficial for those already practicing it,” he asserts. “For others, it may be an enticing option, offering potential for meaningful change.”

Paul stresses that direct drilling is not merely a technique but a comprehensive system requiring careful planning.

“No-till won’t succeed without appropriate groundwork,” he cautions. “Direct drilling into poorly structured soil with insufficient organic matter will inhibit necessary water infiltration, leading to issues like surface slumping or capping.”

He emphasizes the importance of addressing soil compaction first, as cultivation creates texture and aeration in an artificial manner. “Often, a two-to-three-year lead-in period to direct drilling is advisable, where strip-tilling may be utilized initially.”

Starting Steps

Paul recommends beginning with a shovel, stressing the importance of digging holes to understand existing soil conditions. Following this assessment, developing a rotational system is crucial. Incorporating spring cropping with cover crops is pivotal for enhancing soil carbon and its resilience.

“Carbon contributes to a more stable soil structure,” he stresses. “Maintaining roots in the soil through the use of cover crops and a diverse rotation aids in improving soil functionality, making it less susceptible to erosion and enhancing nutrient cycling.”

Drill Considerations

Choosing the correct drill is essential, as it must cater to the specific soil types utilized. Since direct drilling involves more patience—waiting for optimal soil conditions—farmers need to be prepared to hold off on drilling when conditions are not right, Paul advises.

“Arrange for a drill demonstration,” he suggests. “Select a drill that’s compatible with your soil conditions rather than just going for the one with the best financing.”

Paul acknowledges the higher initial cost of no-till drills but highlights their low maintenance and resultant cost savings. “Direct drilling normally requires around 6.5 liters of fuel per hectare.”

Yield Considerations

Paul acknowledges that a temporary yield decline is often experienced when starting with no-till. “While initial yields may drop, your operating costs will decrease, improving overall profitability,” he points out. “No-till is centered on replenishing lost soil carbon and enhancing fertility. Viewed this way, it’s an investment in the future of your farming operation.”

He concludes by noting that the SFI no-till action aligns well with other initiatives, such as those promoting cover crop usage, companion cropping, insecticide avoidance, and integrated pest management strategies. “When integrated thoughtfully, these practices can yield substantial financial and environmental advantages.”