10 Red Tractor Combinable Crops
10a
Soil management
SM.1. requires that a soil management plan is established and implemented.
SM.1.a requires that production practices are adjusted to maintain soil structure and control erosion
SM.1.b requires that the classification of soils on the farm is known
Additionally the Recommendations include:
COMBINABLE CROPS If arable farms offer winter grazing to other farms (e.g. tack sheep), where winter-grazed brassica crops are grown, reduce the risk of run-off by only growing on appropriate fields*. Manage the grazing to prevent run-off (e.g. graze from the top of a sloping field). Preferably avoid root crops which leave the soil bare when grazed and instead use leafy brassicas and other species, grazing them rotationally to allow regrowth to keep soil protected
10b
Nutrient management
EC.9 requires that manufactured fertilisers and organic manures must be applied in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution
EC.9.a requires that any materials, including waste materials, that are applied to land should have agricultural benefit
EC.9.c requires that a Manure Management Plan (MMP) is kept and followed when applying organic manures to land
EC.9.1 requires that advisors making recommendations on manufactured fertiliser use are on the FACTS Professional Register
EC.9.2 requires that fertiliser rates are be based on a calculation of the nutrient requirements of the crop and on regular analysis of nutrient levels in soil, plant or nutrient solution and with consideration of nutrient content of any organic manure applications.
Additionally the Recommendations include: Do not build soil phosphorus beyond target indices.
