Herbal leys, or SAM3 under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), are an important tool for boosting soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the resilience of your farm. But establishing and maintaining them correctly can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know — and how JustFarm makes it simple.
What is the Purpose of Herbal Leys Under SFI?
Herbal leys are mixtures of grasses and legumes designed to improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and support pollinators and other beneficial insects. They help farms meet environmental targets while still maintaining productive land.
How JustFarm Helps:
- The platform tracks every step of your SAM3 activities.
- You can log the establishment of new leys and see the full breakdown in your dashboard.
- No need to remember all the requirements — everything is stored digitally for easy access.
What Seed Mix is Required?
SFI specifies the composition of herbal leys, often requiring a mix of grasses, legumes, and herbs suitable for your soil type and region. Choosing the wrong mix can affect compliance and environmental outcomes.
How JustFarm Helps:
- Record which seed mix you sowed and capture photos for proof.
- Tag each field to show compliance with SFI requirements.
- Avoid confusion about seed types, ensuring you meet scheme standards.
When and How Should They Be Sown?
Timing is crucial for successful herbal ley establishment. Sowing windows vary depending on region, soil conditions, and crop rotation. Proper soil preparation and sowing methods are essential to maximize success.
How JustFarm Helps:
- Log sowing dates directly in the companion app, creating a timestamped record.
- Get reminders for optimal sowing and maintenance windows, so nothing is missed.
- Access a complete overview of your herbal ley activities anytime, anywhere.
How Do Herbal Leys Benefit Soil and Biodiversity?
Herbal leys improve soil organic matter, reduce erosion, fix nitrogen naturally, and support a wide variety of insects and wildlife. They also contribute to long-term sustainability goals while providing feed options for livestock.
How JustFarm Helps:
- Capture ongoing maintenance and inspections in the field.
- Store photos and notes documenting biodiversity improvements and soil health.
- Generate audit-ready reports that prove your environmental actions without extra paperwork.
Why JustFarm is Essential for SAM3 Compliance
Managing SAM3 involves more than simply sowing a seed mix. It requires a clear record of establishment, maintenance, and evidence for SFI inspections. JustFarm provides a single, easy-to-use hub that ensures every herbal ley you establish is compliant:
- Track establishment, sowing dates, and seed mixes.
- Receive reminders for maintenance windows.
- Capture all evidence directly in the field.
- Generate reports for inspections or declarations at the click of a button.
Take Action: Sign up for JustFarm today to make SAM3 herbal leys and all your SFI actions audit-ready, and never worry about missing evidence or deadlines again.