Ten FAB measures are described:

1. In crop rotation, a diversity of crops enters the field one after the other and over the years, in contrast to mixed crops where multiple crops co-occur at the same time on the field. By using different crops, the risks are spread for the farmer, but it also has a positive influence on the soil. Because the crops change every (few) year(s), the development of soil pathogens is limited. Diverse rooting ensures a better development of soil life. Finally, we also see a reduction of weed pressure.
2. Mixed crops are multiple crops that co-occur on the field. This can range from herbal pastures over crop mosaics to crops in lines. The aim is the positive influence of the crops on each other. This can occur in a direct way in which the combination of crops leads to a higher total yield than the individual crops, but also indirect. For example, clover in grass can fixate nitrogen, diversity of roots in herbal leys lead to a better soil structure or beneficial insects can always find shelter because parts of the soil are always covered.
3. When we think of field margins, in the first place we think of flowering margins that attract beneficial insects (insects that eat pests, pollinators). These field margins can be both on the border of the field, or right in the middle. Just like hedgerows, it should be adapted to your farm and an informed choice needs to be made concerning the species to avoid the attraction of harmful insects. A second important function of the field margins is the use as a buffer strip. This is a strip between the field and the watercourse which is not fertilized and where the use of plant protection products is not allowed. The aim of the strip is to avoid the leach of nutrients or plant protection products to the watercourse. This strip is sown, so also here an informed choice must be made on the used species, which have a positive influence on the rest of the field.
4. Hedgerows provide habitat to insects that benefit cropping, as well as birds and other wildlife are attracted for food and nesting places. The frequency of cutting the hedgerows influences this latter. During hedgerow management, a lot of ligneous material is released. This source of organic material can be used to increase the organic matter content of the soil (see organic matter input). When it is not used on the farmland it can serve as a source of green energy. In addition, hedgerows reduce erosion. This barrier stops water and sand, which results in less leaching of organic matter and nutrients.
5. Agroforestry is a cultivation system in which agricultural crops or cattle farms are combined with the production of trees at the same parcel. Different layers, above and under the ground, give a more efficient use of light, water and nutrients. The use of trees leads to healthier soil, higher yields and homes for wildlife.
6. When applying manure, it is important that the manure can be taken up by the plant, to prevent the leaching of nutrients. The best way to do this is by implementing the manure near the plant, using diverse manure types (mixtures, digestate), or by changing the sowing distance. A better intake means a better crop and less leaching!
7. Organic matter input increases the sponginess of the soil: the higher the content, the better moisture can infiltrate in wet periods and the longer the moisture stays available in dry periods. It also has a positive influence on soil life. The organic matter content can be increased in several ways: working-in of harvest residues, use of farmyard manure, compost, woodchips…
8. The aim of a cover crop is to minimise exposed soils, which can lead to soil erosion and loss of soil organic matter. Additionally, a cover crop can catch nitrogen from the soil. In this case, the name ‘catch crop’ is used, since it avoids the leaching of nitrogen. Cover crops can be sown at different moments. Sowing after the main crop is most common. In combination with a late harvest this gives a limited choice in crops and the later they are sown, the poorer the development of the cover crop. That is what makes sawing the cover crop between the main crop interesting (e.g. grass between maise). In this case, the cover crop can be sown together or after the main crop. This gives an early growth of the cover crop and a better development of this crop. In addition, the cover crop protects the soil during the harvest of the main crop.
9. With non-inversion tillage, the soil is not ploughed but only loosened. This has a positive effect on soil life: their habitat is not disrupted every year. A stable soil life ensures a good soil structure, which leads to an airy soil and increases water retention. Therefore the soil can absorb more water in wet periods and this water is longer available in dry periods.
10. The use of physical and biological crop protection instead of chemical crop protection has a less negative impact on the beneficial organisms that settle in and around your field. The attendance of these beneficial organisms has a positive effect on the control of plagues, thereby reducing the need for interventions in the field which creates a virtuous circle.

More information on monitoring tools can be found on the project website: https://www.fabulousfarmers.eu/en/get-fabulous/monitoring-tools.