Over 40% of arable land in England and Wales is at risk from water erosion and over 2.3 million tonnes of soil is lost annually. No wonder soil management and specifically erosion control has climbed up the political agenda. So what should you be doing to prevent erosion as crops are drilled this autumn?

Keep the soil where it belongs in the field, that's the advice from soil scientist Sheila Royle, one of the ADAS experts involved in the new Defra-funded Environment Sensitive Farming initiative.

As farmers get ready to establish crops this autumn they need to remember that reducing the chances of soil erosion after harvest is one of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) that must be met to qualify for the Single Payment.

"Farmers generally do not view soil erosion as a big problem. Unless they see severe damage with deep gullies, the assumption is that all is well," suggests Ms Royle.

But soil erosion does not need to be dramatic to cause potential problems. Soil wash down the slope into a stream or boundary ditch can cause real problems. Small amounts of sediment can harm aquatic plants, invertebrates and fish eggs. The EU target for fishlife is no more than 25mg per litre of water; that's the equivalent of just one 12th of an aspirin tablet. The nutrients that come with the soil, particularly phosphorus, cause eutrophication and algal blooms. Soil washings can also cause a nuisance to roads and properties.

On vulnerable sites tramlines provide a conduit for rainfall so where it is safe and practical, sow crops and establish tramlines across the slope and if possible do not use them until the spring."

The Environment Sensitive Farming project is supported by the NFU, the CLA and LEAF. It includes a series of regionally-focused conferences, discussion groups and seminars. To find where to go in your area or to book your free place at these events, visit www.environmentsensitivefarming.co.uk, or ring the Events Line on 0845 602 3864.