Appendix 1 - Land management options - Arable Options on Set-aside
- Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF16
- Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF17
- Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF18
- Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF19
For each option, overall aims, management requirements and relationships with ELS and OELS options are explained. The exact management requirements for each option, including optional prescriptions, will be negotiated with you, and then included in your agreement. The prescriptions text between square brackets may be changed by advisers to suit particular situations and management needs.
Where HLS options can be located with ELS or OELS options this is highlighted at the end of the text describing the options, see below.
There are four options that can be used to enhance the environmental value of set-aside. The first two (HF16 & HF17) involve the creation of plots within the set-aside area. Within these plots, the HLS management prescriptions override any conflicting prescriptions for the management of set-aside under the SPS. Outside HLS plots, the SPS requirements for set-aside must be followed in full, but any treatments must not affect or encroach on the HLS plot. Please see section 6.1 for more guidance. The second two (HF18 & HF21) involve the management of the cereal crop preceding set-aside. All cereal crops which are followed by set-aside are eligible for options HF18 & HF19, but wherever possible they should be located in fields with lower inherent soil fertility and/or low levels of pernicious weeds.
Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF16
This option provides suitable conditions for the germination and establishment of rare arable plants on in-field plots or margin strips within set-aside.
Management will include cultivating to establish a firm, fine tilth, either in autumn or spring, depending on the target species. This fallow plot or margin should be retained for an agreed period without the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
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Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF17
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This option provides breeding and foraging sites for ground-nesting farmland birds, such as lapwing and stone curlew, on set-aside. The plots should be at least 2 ha and located in suitable arable fields. Locating the plots within 2 km of extensively grazed grassland or areas of scrub will provide additional foraging habitat. The plots can be kept in a fixed location or rotated around agreed locations.
Management will include cultivating the plot in the spring of each year to produce rough fallow. This fallow plot should be retained for an agreed period without the use of pesticides and fertilisers.
This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment.
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Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF18
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This option provides a food source for farmland birds, especially in the winter. The restricted herbicide programme will allow arable plants to flourish and set seed in the crop. The stubble, rich in arable plants, will provide a winter food source for farmland birds.
Management will include cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual, but following a restricted herbicide programme. The cereal crop should then be harvested with no use of pre-harvest desiccant. Following harvest any soil compaction will need to be remedied to prevent increased run-off and erosion. Maintain the stubble (now in set-aside) with no applications of pesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime until 15 July.
This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment.
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Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF19
This option provides a year-round food source for declining populations of farmland birds. The restricted pesticide programme will allow insects to flourish, providing food for the chicks in summer. Over the winter and through the set-aside period, the unharvested crop will provide a food source for farmland birds by providing spilt grain and seeding arable plants. This option can also encourage rare arable plants. The headland has significant additional wildlife benefits when managed in conjunction with option HE10 (floristically diverse margins) or with ELS or OELS options E1, E2 or E3 (2-6 m wide buffer strips on arable land).
Management includes cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual. The outer 6 to 24 m of the crop will be managed by following a restricted herbicide and insecticide programme and without the use of fertilisers. This headland is to be left unharvested and retained through the following set-aside year. The use of pesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime is not permitted on the unharvested headland until 15 July in the next year when normal management may be resumed.
This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment.
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Page last modified:
21 March, 2006
Page published: 3 March, 2005