SOH1

Crops must be established using a 'no-till' direct drill or broadcasting equipment. Conventional or shallow min-till cultivation machinery is not permitted. Low disturbance subsoiling and mole draining are allowed on land without historic features if necessary, and evidence must be kept.

This action must be carried out throughout each year of the agreement's duration, starting from the agreement start date. If an existing crop does not meet the action's requirements, the action must be implemented as soon as possible after harvest and within 12 months of the start date.

The action must be completed by following its mandatory requirements in a way that can be reasonably expected to achieve its aim.

You must keep evidence to show what you’ve done to complete this action, such as:

• field operations at a land parcel level (including if you’ve had to carry out low-disturbance subsoiling to reduce compaction or mole-draining) and associated invoices
• photographs and other documentation

If it’s not clear that you’ve done this action in a way that could reasonably be expected to achieve its aim, we may ask for this evidence. You must supply the evidence if we ask for it.

Guidance is provided on preparing for a no-till system, including soil assessment and dealing with compaction. It also covers choosing equipment, establishing crops, controlling weeds, pests, and diseases, and improving natural drainage with mole drains.