Legume fallow

Where it applies

Arable, Horticultural, Temporary grassland, Permanent crops

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line

What you'll do

Establish a flower-rich legume fallow of at least 6 flowering species (including legumes such as clovers or bird's-foot trefoil) by the autumn, within 12 months, and maintain it across the agreement. Don't graze it, apply fertiliser or manure, or use it for access or storage; only cut to control problem grass weeds, and only spot-treat injurious weeds.

Evidence to keep

• Establishment photos and the legume fallow mix used
• A dated sowing record
• Seed invoices
• Dated records of any weed-control cutting

When

• Aug–Oct: Establish the legume fallow by the autumn (within 12 months) (first year)

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, OFC3, OFC4, OFC5, OFM4, OFM5, OFM6, PRF2, SOH1
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, CIPM1, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFC3, OFC4, OFC5, OFM4, OFM5, OFM6, PRF2, SOH1
• SFI 2023: IPM1, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CSP9, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR3, OR4, OR5, OT3, OT4, OT5