© UKCEH

The following is a short summary of the habitat type and how to create/enhance it to a "good" condition. For an informed position, please refer to official up-to-date Government guidance or the UK Government's Condition Assessment Sheet.

Fields (or areas) of crops except wheat, barley, oats and maize. Non-cereal crops encompass a wide range of agricultural crops that are not classified under the cereal category. This includes various types of vegetables, root crops, legumes, oilseeds, and other cultivated plants grown for food, feed, fibre, fuel, or other uses.

These crops are typically found in agricultural lands and are part of the broader farming landscape. They contribute significantly to the diversity of agricultural ecosystems, offering varied habitats and food sources for wildlife.

Special Notes:

These crops can be part of crop rotation systems, helping to maintain soil health and reduce pest and disease pressures. The management practices for non-cereal crops, such as irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control, can vary significantly depending on the crop type. These crops can support a different set of biodiversity compared to cereal crops, often requiring specific pollinators and benefiting various soil microorganisms.

Assessment Questions:

- Is the crop being grown a non-cereal type, such as vegetables, legumes, or oilseeds?

- Does the cultivation of these crops form part of a broader agricultural landscape?

- Are specific management practices associated with these crops being employed to optimise growth and yield?

If YES, then it is likely 'Cropland - Non-Cereal crops'

There are no conditions for this habitat type.

Can be done in strips or blocks. Note that a competent person should demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and experience in creating, enhancing and/or managing arable habitats. You may wish to note that advice will be sought from an agricultural land agent.

You should not create this habitat in:

• cool, north facing shaded locations, as most seeds will not germinate

• places with perennial and arable grass weed problems (Source: HM Government)

Please note that this is a simple guide to help identify the habitat. For a definitive description, please refer to UKHab documentation. Joe's Blooms takes no responsibility for the content of external links.