Legumes on improved grassland

Where it applies

Temporary grassland, Improved grassland, Permanent grassland

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line
• Areas with historic or archaeological features are ineligible

What you'll do

Add legumes (clovers, sainfoin, lucerne or bird's-foot trefoil) to improved grassland — over-sow into existing grass or sow a grass/legume mix — established within 12 months. Spring (March–April) or just after a silage or hay cut sows best; avoid sowing after August. Then manage the sward to keep the legumes in it, cutting the nitrogen the grass needs.

Evidence to keep

• A dated sowing or over-sowing record (seed mix and date)
• Establishment photos
• Seed invoices

When

• Mar–Apr: Sow in spring (Mar–Apr) or after a silage cut; establish within 12 months (first year)

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, OFC1, OFC3, OFM1, OFM4, PRF1, PRF2, SOH1
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, CIPM1, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFC1, OFC3, OFM1, OFM4, PRF1, PRF2, SOH1
• SFI 2023: IPM1, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CPAC1, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR1, OR3, OT1, OT3