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Fallow land can be used to retain over-wintered stubbles to feed farmland birds through the winter, or to establish a winter cover crop to prevent soil erosion and reduce nitrate leaching. Fallow land can also present a risk of soil erosion and run-off into watercourses if not managed properly. The following guidance should help to maximise the benefits whilst minimising risks to soil and water.
- Is the field maize stubble or bare fallow land?
- Yes - take measures to establish a winter cover crop (see guidance A)
- No - go to Q. 2
- Can the stubble be retained unsprayed and uncultivated into the new year without presenting a risk of run-off or soil erosion?
- Yes - this can provide an important winter habitat for seed-eating birds (see Guidance B)
- No - take measures to establish a winter cover crop (see Guidance A)
A. Best management of winter cover crops
· To be effective, cover crops have to be established early in order to take up sufficient soil nitrate before winter drainage leaches it below the depth of the developing plant roots.
· Remove any compaction in the topsoil and subsoil, except on archaeological features.
· Establish an autumn-sown cover crop. Drill or broadcast a quick growing cover crop, such as rye, barley, or mustard. The cover crop can be a mixture of seeds.
· Sow at seed rate that will provide a dense cover and protect from soil erosion.
· Destroy the cover crop immediately before establishment of the next crop to reduce the potential for nitrate losses.
B. Best management of over-wintered stubbles.
· The best seed-rich stubbles and lowest soil and water risks come from not applying pre-harvest desiccants to the stubble, thus allowing re-growth and green cover
· Retain the stubble unsprayed and uncultivated for as long as possible (at least mid-February) to feed farmland birds through the hungry gap (January - April)
· On sloping fields, tramlines and other areas of severe compaction should always be subsoiled following harvest (except where there are archaeological features or when conditions are wet), to reduce the risk of run-off and erosion.
[Guidance prepared by RSPB and Environment Agency]
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