With rising interest in sustainable farming and regenerative land management, herbal leys are fast becoming one of the most attractive options under the Sustainable Farming Incentive. The CSAM3 action supports farmers who want to establish species rich multispecies leys that deliver both agronomic and environmental benefits.

Watson Seeds offers a range of herbal ley mixtures designed to help farmers meet and exceed the requirements of the CSAM3 option while also improving forage production, livestock performance, soil health and on farm biodiversity.

What is the CSAM3 Action

CSAM3 Herbal Leys is an SFI action aimed at establishing a diverse herbal ley that contains a mixture of grasses, legumes and herbs on eligible agricultural land. The objective is to produce high quality forage, boost soil structure, carbon and fertility and provide flowering forage that supports pollinators and beneficial insects.

Under CSAM3 you must

Establish a herbal ley on eligible land including arable land, temporary grassland and improved permanent grassland

Use a seed mix containing at least one grass species, two legume species and two herb or wildflower species as a minimum

Minimise inorganic nitrogen fertiliser use

Maintain the ley so that it continues to deliver the action’s aims

The ley must be sown by early autumn within twelve months of the action start date and retained long enough to deliver the benefits.

Why Herbal Leys Matter

Herbal leys go beyond traditional grass swards to deliver a wide range of benefits.

Improved soil health through diverse root structures that build organic matter and enhance soil biology

Reduced fertiliser dependency as legumes fix nitrogen naturally

High quality forage that supports improved livestock performance

Enhanced biodiversity with flowering herbs providing pollen and nectar

Well established leys also improve soil structure, water infiltration and drought resilience.

Watson Seeds Herbal Ley Mixtures for CSAM3

Watson Seeds offers a comprehensive range of herbal ley mixtures developed with scheme requirements and on farm performance in mind. These blends suit a wide range of management goals including new establishment, overseeding and pasture rejuvenation.

---

Making CSAM3 Work on Your Farm

Selecting the right mix is vital. While CSAM3 sets minimum species requirements, greater diversity often delivers stronger results. Good establishment, careful weed control, appropriate grazing management and sensible fertiliser use all contribute to success.

Practical tips for success

Aim for a clean, firm seedbed for reseeds, or good soil contact for overseeding

Manage weeds early to protect herbs and clovers during establishment

Use light grazing once established to encourage tillering and maintain sward balance

Avoid excessive nitrogen inputs that can suppress legumes and herbs

A Win Win for Productivity and the Environment

Herbal leys under CSAM3 offer a practical route to improved forage quality, healthier soils and increased biodiversity while benefiting from scheme payments. With the right Watson Seeds mixture, you can meet scheme requirements and grow a ley that actively enhances farm performance.