Natural Resources Conservation Service

Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring

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Desirable Plants

Percent Legumes

Live

Plant

Cover

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January 2020

Contents

Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 1

Indicator Descriptions.......................................................................................................................... 2

Percent Desirable Plants .................................................................................................................. 2

Desirable Plants ........................................................................................................................... 2

Intermediate Species.................................................................................................................... 2

Undesirable Species..................................................................................................................... 2

Percent Legume ............................................................................................................................... 3

Live Plant Cover (includes dormant)............................................................................................... 5

Plant Diversity ................................................................................................................................. 6

Plant Residue and Litter as Soil Cover ............................................................................................ 7

Grazing Utilization and Severity ..................................................................................................... 8

Livestock Concentration Areas........................................................................................................ 9

Soil Compaction and Soil Regenerative Features.......................................................................... 11

Plant Vigor..................................................................................................................................... 12

Erosion ........................................................................................................................................... 13

Sheet and Rill............................................................................................................................. 13

Streambank, Shoreline ............................................................................................................... 13

Wind........................................................................................................................................... 14

Gullies........................................................................................................................................ 14

References.......................................................................................................................................... 14
1

Introduction

Pasture condition scoring (PCS) is a systematic way to assess how well a pasture is being managed 

and resources protected. A pasture rated with a high score is well-managed with productivity (plant 

and animal) being sustained or enhanced. By rating the key indicators common to all pastures, 

pasture condition can be evaluated and the primary reasons for a low condition score can be 

identified. A low rating typically means the pasture has one or more challenges, such as poor plant 

growth, weedy species invasion, poor animal performance (low forage quantity and quality), visible 

soil loss, increased runoff, and impaired water quality in or adjacent to the pasture.

The PCS should be performed several times a year during critical management periods throughout 

the grazing season. The revised “Pasture Condition Score Sheet” (PCSS) should be used to rate 

individual pastures. Regardless of the time of year selected to do the PCS, the best time to score a 

pasture is just before it is grazed.

The PCS should be performed—

• As a benchmark condition of the pasture.

• Early in the growing season before grazing events occur.

• At peak forage supply periods.

• At low forage supply periods.

• At plant stress periods such as drought or very wet conditions.

• When conservation practices (management) have been fully applied.

For best results, the livestock manager and conservation planners should evaluate the pastures the 

same time each year to note changes in the condition of the pasture.

PCS results can be useful in deciding when to move livestock or planning other management 

actions. It assists in identifying which improvements are most likely to improve pasture condition 

or livestock performance.

The PCS is not a replacement for doing a forage inventory or forage production estimates. The 

pasture planner should consider other available data 

such as pasture state information in an ecological site 

description, forage suitability groups, or pasture and 

hay suitability groups.

PCS involves the visual evaluation of 10 indicators, 

listed and described below, which rate the pasture 

vegetation and soils. Rating subjectivity can be 

reduced by incorporating quantitative measures. For 

example, using the step-point method for evaluation 

can provide measured results for five of the indicators

(percent desirable plants, percent legume, live plant 

cover, plant diversity, and plant residue). Also, by 

pacing to measure the livestock concentration areas and 

using a shovel to quickly evaluate the soil compaction 

and soil regenerative indicator, the user of the PCSS

The step-point method can provide data 

for five indicators. 
2

and guide can have confidence in each indicator rating and the total score. 

On the PCSS, each indicator or factor has five possible ratings, ranging from lowest (poorest) 

condition (1) to highest (best) condition (5). This objectively identifies the extent of any pasture 

challenges and helps determine the likely causes. Evaluate each indicator separately. The 

indicators can then be combined into an overall score for the pasture unit or utilized as individual 

scores and compared with the other nine indicators. Indicators receiving the lowest scores can be

targeted for corrective action. The plant vigor indicator is rated one of the last because previous 

indicators in the assessment give insight into the plant health and productivity of the pasture.

Indicator Descriptions

Percent Desirable Plants

These are the key species that provide most of the 

quality forage ingested by the grazing animal being 

fed. The percent is calculated by dry matter weight. 

Desirable Plants

Desirable species are well-adapted to the site, are

readily consumed, show persistence, and provide 

high tonnage and quality, with sufficient fertility, for 

a significant part of the growing season. The most 

desirable species may be grazed first and close to the 

ground in poorly managed systems and therefore,

may decline in prevalence. Meanwhile, other lesspalatable species that can avoid grazing impacts may increase. These less-desirable species can 

eventually displace the desirable ones since they are grazed less, if at all. This replacement is 

important to this indicator and should not be overlooked when the desirability score is low. Some 

examples of desirable species are orchardgrass, white clover, Kentucky bluegrass, and big bluestem. 

Refer to your State or regional desirable plant list, and ideally, by grazing livestock type (cattle, 

sheep, goats) for scoring this indicator. Desirable, intermediate, and undesirable species will 

depend upon geographic region and livestock type

Intermediate Species

These are adapted to the prevailing site conditions; just as desirable species are. Intermediate 

species are those which, while eaten, provide low production or lose quality fast, are only eaten by 

certain species, and often have a short-lived grazing-use period. Intermediates increase as desirable 

species are selectively grazed out but will be the next set of species to decrease if grazing 

management doesn’t intervene. When adequate forage allotments are presented to livestock, the 

utilization rate of these species will be less than that of the desirable species. Examples of 

intermediates are dandelions, wild plantains, barnyard grass, and hop clover.

Undesirable Species

Those that typically are not eaten (rejected) by most livestock, cause undesirable side effects when 

eaten, or have little or no forage value. They include some woody invaders, noxious weeds, toxic 

plants, and plants that crowd out more desirable species. A few forages are undesirable during a 

specific growth stage when they produce toxins. On severely overstocked sites, such as exercise 
3

lots, undesirable species will become the only surviving plants. Examples of undesirable species 

are nimblewill, wild garlic, horsenettle, and buttercup. Record notes in the comment section of the 

scoresheet for invasive species creating plant pest pressure concerns. Some woody plants such as 

brush species may be present in the ratings of 1, 2, or 3 on this indicator in amounts economically 

impacting the herbaceous desirable species and should be noted in the rating. 

In this indicator assessment, determine the type and amount of plants within the pasture that the 

livestock will readily graze that are desirable and intermediate. Estimate visually the proportion 

(percent) of desirable species present in the entire sward by dry matter weight and score 

accordingly. The technique of estimating dry weight through visual assessment requires training 

and knowledge of plant identification. The use of the step-point method is highly recommended for 

this indicator.

Percent Legume

This indicator measures the average amount (percent) of legume present in a forage stand during the 

growing season expressed as dry matter weight. The percent legume present at a given time during 

the growing season can vary considerably, depending upon climate (especially heat), stability, and 

seasonal growth cycle of the legumes being assessed, the timing and severity or laxity of grazing 

events, and the timing and level of agronomic inputs.

Legumes are important sources of nitrogen for pastures and improve the forage quality of the 

pasture mix when they comprise at least 20 percent of total air-dry weight of forage. Deep-rooted

legumes also provide grazing during hot, dry periods in midsummer.

Pastures can sometimes be limited in nitrogen, especially ones lacking enough legumes and low in 

organic matter. Nitrogen excreted by animals often is not distributed well due to lack of pasture 

management or the location of water, mineral, or shade except in some types of grazing systems 

such as high-density short-duration grazing. Pastures with few or no legumes will need added 

nitrogen for increased forage production. Legumes growing along with grasses in pastures have 

been shown to improve animal intake and performance.

If the proportion of legumes is too high, especially legumes with bloat potential, forage 

consumption can cause bloat and thus be detrimental to ruminant livestock health. Legume cells 

rupture easily after ingestion, causing a high fermentation rate to occur in the rumen. This causes 

the formation of gas bubbles in a stable foam, which can lead to the rumen distending and causing 

lung malfunction. When bloating legumes, such as clovers and alfalfa (see your State’s plant list 

for additional species), are greater than 40 percent of total forage dry weight, bloat incidence in 

ruminants is likely without preventative steps.
4

To perform this indicator, visually estimate the percentage of legume present in the total forage 

biomass. When conducting the visual assessment on most introduced cool-season legumes (except 

red clover which has a higher dry weight (90%) and alfalfa (100%)), the estimate will need to be 

reduced by approximately 50 percent of the visual estimate when converting to a dry matter weight 

basis. Most legumes have their leaves in the upper part of the plant with only stems below. Thus, 

the upper part of the plant appears denser visually when compared to grasses which are denser at the 

base of the plants. For rare cases where legume percentages are greater than 40 percent of the 

stand, but still are less than 40 percent bloat-type legumes, rate as a 5.

Legumes at 27% by dry weight

(approximately 50% visual wet). 

Legumes at 6% by dry weight 

(approximately 10% visual wet).

Legumes at 15% by dry weight 

(approximately 30% visual wet).
5

Live Plant Cover (includes dormant)

The percentage of the soil surface covered by live plants is important for pasture production, and 

soil and water protection. This indicator rates how well your plant solar panel is working. The 

higher the leaf area, the higher the photosynthetic activity. A dense stand (high-stem count) of live 

leaf area ensures, when properly grazed, high animal intake and high sunlight interception for best 

forage growth. Bare, open spots allow for weed encroachment, increased water runoff during 

intense rains, soil erosion, and lost production. Attached, standing dead plant material can reduce 

forage quality, photosynthesis, and new tillering depending on the amount and height.

Live cover assessment can be determined at any time 

on continuously grazed pastures but is best done 

closer to optimal grazing heights. On rotational 

pastures, ideally estimate canopy cover of the 

paddock the day prior to livestock entry. This will 

represent the best possible condition. If cover rates 

fair or lower at this growth stage, management

changes are recommended. It can also be used to 

assess postgrazing events to determine if adequate 

residual is left or not.

Several things can influence live plant cover, 

especially time of year, rest period prior to review, 

forage present, weather conditions, and management. 

Forages can be easily placed into three different stages.

• Stage one plants are short and immature, having high quality but low production. Stage one 

plants are good for being a solar panel, but they lack the surface area of stage two, which 

generally ends right at the early boot stage for grasses.

• Stage two has the greatest live leaf surface area and normally the best forage quality.

• The third stage has maturing vegetation of lower quality and dormant vegetation. Although 

this stage has the greatest volume of forage available, mature and dormant plants are 

performing less photosynthesis and forage quality is less.

The management factor in live plant cover is very important. Frequency of grazing, length of 

grazing period, stop-grazing height, stocking rates and density, length of rest period and nutrient 

management are factors to be managed to achieve the highest production of quality forage for 

animal growth.

There are times when letting the forage mature longer can certainly be a positive move, especially 

to grow deeper roots and potentially build soil organic matter. Dormant forage and stockpiled 

forage may not be the best collector of sunlight but shouldn’t be scored as the 5-point category but 

could still score moderately well on the PCS scoresheet if everything else is met.

Forage stands with dead or dying intact material should be rated lower accordingly, this includes 

attached standing dead plant material. This material is not collecting sunlight, and it is not desirable

for the livestock, although there is some fiber benefit early in the season. Too much standing dead 

material may cause the forage to be rejected by the grazing animal or lead to other forages being

selectively grazed. Note when forage is dormant stockpile for future reference.

How good is my solar panel? 
6

Visually estimate percent live cover of all species. Assign a value based on live green leaf canopy. 

If the estimate is inconclusive, or difficult to complete because of the complexity of species or stage 

of growth, then use the step-point method to estimate or use a camera-based, accurate green canopy 

cover measurement tool.

Plant Diversity

This indicator is done by dry matter weight. Forage production varies throughout the grazing 

season because of changing weather, growing degree days, management, and insect or disease 

pressures. Increasing diversity can help moderate negative changes. Having multiple dominant 

desirable forage species in a pasture offers some “insurance” and it’s more likely that there is 

something that can be productive under a wide range of conditions. Warm season grasses for 

example, can provide quality forage during hot, dry summer periods for areas where adapted, when 

most cool-season forage tend to go dormant. Low species diversity makes pastures more vulnerable 

to stress and to changing conditions.

The plant diversity score describes the number and abundance of well-represented forage plants and 

plant functional groups. For the PCS scoresheet rating, desirable forage species must comprise 

more than 50 percent of the total biomass to score above a 1. Any time there are more undesirable 

than desirable plant species, the score will be 1. Refer to your State or regional desirable plant list 

and ideally by grazing livestock type (species).

The PCSS considers a dominant species to be one 

that makes up at least 15 percent of the pasture 

biomass by dry weight. Dominant species 

contribute substantially to the total forage biomass, 

and having several similar dominant desirable 

species helps to spread the production and lower the 

risk.

A functional group includes plant species that have 

similar management requirements, biological 

contributions, and attributes. For most of the 

United States, the four basic functional groups for 

improved pastures are cool-season grasses, warmseason grasses, legumes, other grazable 

nonleguminous forbs (e.g., brassicas, forage 

chicory, dandelion), or a functional group 

designated by the State. A functional group is counted even if it has no dominant species, if the 

group collectively makes up at least 15 percent of the pasture biomass.

Plants from different functional groups are most compatible when they can be successfully managed 

together. Mixed species pastures with at least two functional groups and three or more wellrepresented forage species are generally the most productive. Higher total diversity within a 

functional group does not ensure higher productivity and may cause animals to avoid some species 

and graze others heavily, as species differences in palatability and maturity are more likely. The 

greatest benefit for the grazing system is often achieved by the addition of another functional group.

Adding legumes to the stand increases protein and energy improving forage quality, boosts 

Warm-season grasses are a functional group 

that when present in the system can ease 

summer slump periods.
7

production, fixes nitrogen for the grasses in the stand, are agronomically sound, environmentally 

friendly, and economically advantageous. The addition of forbs can provide plants with deeper 

roots that can bring up nutrients from deeper in the soil profile, provide some additional drought 

tolerance to the pasture, and often provide highly preferred species that livestock desire.

Some climates may have other functional groups to assess to accomplish the desired outcomes of 

this indicator.

The PCS scoresheet rating for diversity balances the number of dominant desirable species within a 

functional group and the number of functional groups to provide a score that indicates general 

forage productivity and manageability.

Plant Residue and Litter as Soil Cover

Soil cover is important to slow evaporation, maintain and stabilize ideal soil temperatures, be a 

carbon and food source for soil life, deter erosion, and to help with water infiltration. Residue is 

dead plant material in varying states of decay.

Decomposing surface residue is detached plant 

material that typically creates a light duff layer directly 

on the soil surface. It is highly subject to microbial 

activity and is in constant flux. Litter is generally the 

uppermost layer of detached residue on the soil surface 

including freshly fallen or slightly decomposed 

vegetative material. This can include flattened plant 

material from a recent grazing event with high stock 

densities that may still be attached. Litter is slightly 

more stable for a longer period depending on the 

presence and amount of biological activity.

In a well-managed system, there should always be some plant residue and litter present. Extremely 

active biological systems, such as an intensely grazed dairy or a beef finishing operation, where 

vegetation is consistently grazed in the vegetative stage, often lack enough residue and litter most of 

the season. This can be resolved if needed by increasing the rest period and thus allows more 

trampling of mature forages onto the soil surface.

Excessively high amounts of residue, especially litter, can interfere and slow down new tiller 

growth, and tie up nitrogen. These systems often lack enough biological activity. This can be 

resolved if needed by shortening the rest period, adding more diversity, especially legumes, and 

increasing stock density.

Grazing events, grazing systems, soil biology and life, weather, and management are constantly 

changing and often quite fluid. The percentage of ideal cover is not exact but should be in most 

cases a minimum of 60 percent with good soil biological activity. The higher the requirements of 

microbial life, the higher amount of residue and litter is needed to support it.
8

First assess the amount of bare soil. Cover is 

easily assessed during the step-point method by 

gently moving the aboveground plant cover to 

one side with your hand or foot if needed to see 

if soil cover is provided between plants and 

under the canopy. The soil should be covered by 

either live plants and tillers or residue. Visually 

estimate the percent cover between live plants in 

the stand; the step-point method is a good 

quantitative way to do this.

Grazing Utilization and Severity

The proper amount and frequency of grazing are 

critical in maintaining productive pastures. 

Close and frequent grazing causes loss of vigor, 

reduces density of desired species and yield, can promote erosion, and have impact on bite size and 

intake. Differences in species, plant maturity, stocking rate, location and distance to water, shade, 

and mineral availability may cause uneven grazing to occur.

Grazing utilization and severity are directly related to uniformity of grazing by livestock, except

when continually overgrazing. Though an overgrazed pasture may look uniform, the impact of this 

severity places such pastures in the lowest rating. Uniform grazing results in almost all desirable 

and intermediate species being grazed to a targeted residual or “stop-grazing” height or slightly 

higher. Uniform grazing, without overgrazing, usually only exists when proper grazing 

management techniques are employed and especially where smaller allocations are made.

Nonuniformity is spotty or patterned grazing that appears uneven throughout a pasture, with some 

plants or parts of paddocks grazed heavily and others grazed lightly or not at all. Individual forage 

species are being selected by the livestock based on their palatability, nutritional value, amount of 

other forages available, and location in the pasture.

Selectivity is also affected by differences in stage of maturity among species, amount of forage 

offered to livestock, their length of stay in the paddock, and the livestock stocking density. In most 

instances, livestock will readily select younger plants over more mature ones. Livestock will also 

usually refuse to graze where manure and urine have recently been deposited. This leads to a 

continuing cycle of uneven grazing patterns and reduced efficiency.

Zone grazing occurs when one end of the pasture is heavily grazed, and the other end is lightly 

grazed or ungrazed. It often occurs on pastures with long walking distances from one end to the 

other, especially when shady areas, windbreaks, hay, creep, or mineral feeding and watering sites

are a long distance from some parts of the field. Pastures with abrupt topography changes can also 

cause zone grazing.

For this indicator solely visually assess. When zone grazing is occurring, along with some uneven 

grazing throughout, rate it a 3. Rate the pasture a 4 if the pasture is uniformly grazed to target 

residual heights but there is some zone grazing occurring.

While understocking will lead to more selectivity and the potential for uneven grazing, continual 

Estimate the amount of bare soil. When bare soil is 

easily seen it is rated a 1. This should not be 

common.
9

overstocking can result in pastures being uniformly grazed (mowed lawn appearance) but to heights 

that are too low to maintain all the desirable species. These uniformly overgrazed pastures should 

be rated low on the score sheet.

Livestock Concentration Areas

Concentration areas are places in pastures where livestock return frequently and linger near feeding 

areas, gates, water, mineral or salt, or shade. These areas may have reduced vegetative cover, 

increased bare ground, and have concentrated animal waste. Livestock trails to and from these 

preferred areas can create pathways that may increase erosion and become conduits for sediment, 

nutrients, and pathogens to nearby water bodies.

This indicator addresses the potential impacts on water quality by assessing the size of the disturbed 

areas and the connectivity to adjacent water bodies through trailing and location. Livestock 

concentration areas near water sources or with direct conveyance to surface water can create 

resource concerns. Additionally, these areas on pervious soils over shallow ground water can also 

create water quality problems from introduced contaminants when close to adjacent waterbodies.

For estimates and comparisons, one square acre is 208’ by 208’ and 10 percent of that or 0.1 of an 

acre is 66’ by 66’. When assessing pastures that are less than 1 acre, use 10 percent of grazing unit 

area as an alternative to 0.1 acres, to determine score.

Pace unknown distances and assess the amount of concentration area for this indicator.

Example of a 2-point rating. 

Concentration areas are within100 feet 

of water body and less than .1 acre in 

size. 

Example of a 1-point rating. 

Concentration areas are within 100 feet 

of water body and more than .1 acre in 

size.

Example of a 2-point rating. 

Concentration areas are within 100 feet 

of water body and less than .1 acre in 

size.
10

Example of a 3-point rating. 

Concentration areas are greater than 100 

feet of water body and more than .1 acre 

in size.

Example of a 2-point rating where the 

field is less than 1 acre. It receives a 

rating of a 2.

Example of a 4-point rating. 

Concentration areas are greater than 

100 feet of water body and less than .1 

acre in size.
11

Soil Compaction and Soil Regenerative Features 

Soil compaction is the diminished pore space between soil aggregates that hold air and water. 

Compaction reduces a pasture’s ability to infiltrate water by minimizing pore space and increasing 

bulk density of the soils, negatively affecting hydrologic function, nutrient cycling, and the energy 

flow throughout the pasture ecosystem. Compaction affects the ability of plant roots to access 

water and nutrients. Increased runoff resulting from soil compaction creates the potential to 

transport contaminants such as sediment, nutrients, and pathogens to surface water, degrading water 

quality.

Roots can be diminished by not only compacted 

layers, but also from overgrazing and haying. 

Shallow or sparse roots that do not move deeper in 

the soil profile, especially when there are no limiting 

layers, are good indicators these possible 

management activities are occurring.

Soil regenerative features focus on the condition of 

plant roots and the abundance of soil life, both of 

which can improve important soil attributes like 

structure and organic matter. Soils with roots 

growing deep and downward have the potential to feed a large and diverse population of soil life. 

These soil organisms can improve water-holding capacity, nutrient cycling, plant productivity, plant 

health, and nutrient density.

To evaluate, use a shovel to dig a hole in the pasture, large enough to see the indicator features.

If a comparison is needed or desired, locate one hole in a protected area, such as a fence line where 

grazing can occur, but soil is not adversely affected by hoof action, and the other within the pasture 

away from the protected area and on the same soil type to compare differences in soil features.

Soil features to observe and or to compare in the soil of each hole are —

• Ease of getting the shovel into the soil.

• Soil structure—look for platiness and aggregates in the top twelve inches.

• Rooting depth.

• Root morphology and direction of growth—roots should be growing downward through 

the soil profile.

• Color—contrasting color changes in the soil with darker soil in the more biotically active 

upper layer.

• Worms, tunnels, or other biotic presence and activity.

Compaction is one of the most detrimental 

resource concerns.
12

When rating this indicator, begin with the primary 

subindicators (compaction layer, then root 

characteristics) and use these two subindicators as 

the main scoring factors, with the most adverse 

factor of the two subindicators determining the 

score. Soil color and soil life subindicators are 

secondary indicators and can be considered where 

applicable but used primarily for discussion with 

the manager and planning for improving soil health. 

When rating the compacted or platy layer, consider 

if the layer is within a zone where primary forage 

roots would typically extend to (not potentially).

Plant Vigor

In simplest terms, plant vigor refers to the health of a plant. Another interpretation is the plant’s 

robustness in comparison to others of the same species, relative to the size and age of the plant 

within the environment and weather where it is growing. A loss of plant vigor can cause a loss in 

desirable species and plant cover. Primary things to consider when rating plant vigor are color and

rate of regrowth (recovery) following a grazing event, but also taking into consideration the grazing 

height of plants, size (density) of plants, and productivity. This indicator is purposely placed as one 

of the last indicators to score doing this PCS. The scorer can then use the earlier indicator scores 

information to better score plant vigor. 

Color is a major indicator of plant vigor. Yellowing plants indicate drought, insect damage, or 

prolonged heavy usage (continuous grazing). Pale green grass plants can be indicative of low 

fertility or cool, wet, and poor soils and growing conditions. Fields where nitrogen-starved grasses 

exist will be obvious and have dark green spots under dung or urine patches with the rest of the 

pasture area or unit being pale in comparison. Frost-damaged plants will turn yellow or to a bluegray cast depending on the severity of the cold damage.

Leaf color can also change due to age. Older, lower leaves of plants turn yellow as they become 

more shaded and nutrients are translocated from them to the younger leaves higher in the canopy. 

This type of progressive vigor decline on a single 

plant is critical to the producer timing the rotation of 

livestock from one pasture to the next. In general, 

color is a visual indicator of either mineral 

deficiencies or, occasionally, of over-fertilization. 

Over-fertilization is not separated out in this indicator 

but should be annotated in the notes when observed

and rated a 1 if an issue. Excess applications of 

nitrogen can cause some major nitrate toxicity issues.

A lush, lodged, very dark green-to-bluish-green grass 

can be indicative of over-fertilization especially by 

nitrogen. It can also occur where livestock have 

concentrated on a pasture such as at a permanent 

water trough or feed bunk. These spot areas are often 

ungrazed by livestock due to taste, smell, or 

Recovery and forage color are good 

indicators of plant health. 

Healthy pasture soils should have good 

aggregates, vertical roots, and soil life.
13

postingestive feedback caused by low level nitrate poisoning.

Growth rate is a key trait of plant vigor, which is greatly affected by the management of the plant 

community. Plant recovery should be evaluated based on average growth rates for the plant 

community involved at the time of the season being rated. This is easier to evaluate on rotational 

pastures, because the last time an individual plant was grazed is likely to be known.

Too often, the recovery period for the plants is too short. Ideally, when growth is slow, longer 

recovery is needed, and when growth is fast, shorter recovery is needed. Recovery is influenced by 

the time of year, the type of plants, and even manager goals, such as if it is planned to be used for 

stockpiled forage or not. It is highly influenced by how severely the pasture was used the last time 

it was grazed. The more severe the grazing (below recommended stop-grazing heights), the longer 

the recovery required. Most severe grazing occurs when a pasture is overstocked. Pasture plants 

when continuously grazed have little or no recovery. In contrast are pastures that are rarely grazed 

below stop-grazing heights and management is initiated at prime plant recovery and intake amounts. 

Make notes on any disease or insect stresses (pressure) on the plants. Using color as a plant vigor 

indicator may be difficult during a plant’s dormant season. Under such conditions, use the ratings 

of all indicators along with overall plant health and remaining leaf area to assist in a vigor score.

Erosion

Soil erosion involves the detachment, transport, and redistribution of soil particles by forces of 

water, wind, or gravity. The types of erosion evaluated for pasture condition score are below.

Sheet and Rill

Soil loss caused by water drop impact, drip splash from water dropping off plant leaves and stems 

onto bare soil, and a thin sheet of runoff water flowing across the soil surface. Sheet and rill erosion 

increases as cover decreases. Evidence of sheet erosion appears as small debris dams of plant 

residue that build up at obstructions or span between obstructions. Some soil aggregates or worm 

castings may also be washed into the debris’ dams. Rills are small, incised channels in the soil that 

run parallel to each other downslope. When rills appear, serious soil loss is occurring. This erosion 

type includes most irrigation-induced erosion.

Streambank, Shoreline

When in pastures, channels or shorelines can have heightened erosion problems and loss of 

vegetative cover that typically grows on them. These accelerated damages can result from grazing 

animal traffic in or on them. Open channels may be intermittent or perennial flowing streams or dry 

washes. The factors that affect the extent of disturbance livestock cause to streambanks, shorelines, 

and their associated vegetation include—

• Livestock traffic patterns.

• Frequency, duration, and intensity of use.

• Attractiveness of these channels or banks as sunning, dusting, travel lanes, watering, 

grazing, or rubbing areas.

• Channel shape and steepness of banks.

• Water flow characteristics (frequency, depth, sediment load, velocity, and turbulence).

• Only consider erosion caused or influenced by livestock use.
14

Wind

Wind is the transport and deposition of soil from one 

location to another, occurring when heavier, windblown 

soil particles abrade, exposing soil and causing particles to 

become airborne. Deposition of the heavier soil particles 

occurs downwind of obstructions, such as fence lines, 

buildings, and vegetation. Often vegetative debris is 

windrowed against obstructions and in extreme cases soil 

will abrade and smother vegetation.

Gullies

Gullies are an advanced stage of water erosion, developing 

in situations where rill erosion has not been addressed. 

Concentrated, fast-moving water can cause gully 

expansion through both mass soil caving along sides and 

head-cutting upslope, creating deep channels in the 

ground. Both ephemeral and advanced classic gullies 

should be addressed under this subindicator.

Circle or mark all erosion types found within the planning unit. Rate the indicator with the score for 

overall erosion as the lowest scoring point value of the erosion types.

References

USDA NRCS. 2019. National Resources Inventory Grazing Land On-Site Data Collection, 

Handbook of Instructions, Chapter 13, Dry Weight Rank Method, Page 13-8. Iowa State University 

of Science and Technology. https://grazingland.cssm.iastate.edu/reference-materials.

USDA NRCS. 2003. Title 190, National Range and Pasture Handbook. Washington, D.C. 

https://directives.sc.eov.usda.gov/.

There are at least two types of erosion on 

this field. Circle both on the PCSS. The 

lowest rating score which accounts for the 

worst erosion present should be given.
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Natural Resources Conservation Service

 

Operator: Date:

Evaluator: Pasture ID:

Livestock type:

Above Normal Normal Below Normal

Above Normal Normal Below Normal

Score

Indicator 1 Point 2 Points 3 Points 4 Points 5 Points Points

 

Percent 

Desirable 

Plants* (Dry 

Weight; for 

Livestock Type)

Desirable species 

<20% of stand.

Desirable species 

20 – 40% of stand. 

Desirable species 

41 – 60% of stand. 

 Desirable species 

61 – 80% of stand. 

Desirable species 

exceed 80% of stand. 

Percent 

Legume by Dry 

Weight 

<5% 

OR 

>50% bloating 

legumes.

5-10% legumes 

OR 

>40% bloating legume.

11-20% legumes. 21-30% legumes. 31-40% legumes. No 

grass loss; grass may 

be increasing. 

Live (includes 

dormant) Plant 

Cover

Less than 40% is live 

leaf canopy. 

Remaining is either 

dead standing 

material, or bare 

ground.

40-65% is live leaf 

canopy. Remaining is 

either dead standing 

material, or bare 

ground.

66-80% live leaf 

canopy. Remaining is 

either dead standing 

material, or bare 

ground.

81-95% live leaf 

canopy. Remaining is 

either dead standing 

material, or bare 

ground.

More than 95% live 

(non-dormant) leaf 

canopy. Remaining is 

either dead standing 

material, or bare 

ground.

Diversity: Very low Diversity: Low Diversity: Moderate Diversity: High Diversity: Very high

<50% desirable 

species 

2 dominant desirable 

species in 1 functional 

group 

3 dominant desirable 

species in 1 functional 

group

4 dominant desirable 

species in 2 functional 

groups

4 dominant desirable 

species in 3 functional 

groups

OR OR OR OR OR 

1 dominant desirable 

species in 1 functional 

group

2-3 dominant desirable 

species in 2 functional 

groups

3 dominant desirable 

species in 3 functional 

groups

OR OR OR 

No dominant desirable 

species and all minor 

species in each 

functional group 

totaling <15%

3 functional groups 

each represented by 

minor species totaling 

≥15%

 3 dominant desirable 

species in 2 functional 

groups AND 1 

additional functional 

group represented by 

minor species totaling 

≥15%

Bare soil is very easily 

seen;

Openings of bare soil 

can be seen fairly 

easily;

Small openings of bare 

soil can be seen, but 

minimal;

No bare soil is easily 

seen;

No bare soil is seen;

Grazing 

Utilization and 

Severity 

Pasture is overgrazed 

throughout.

Pasture consists 

primarily of overgrazed 

and/or refused areas 

(former dung areas, 

older plants, undesired 

plants).

Pastures show uneven 

grazing throughout 

with heavier grazing 

near water or feeding 

areas, or distinct zone 

grazing.

Pasture grazed evenly 

throughout with 

minimal overgrazing 

with some under 

grazed small areas 

and heavier use near 

water sources.

Pasture grazed evenly 

throughout with no 

overgrazing.

Soil cover is 21-40%.

*Use NRCS plant list for livestock species. Functional groups are as appropriate for your state (cool-season grasses, legumes, warm-season 

grasses, non-leguminous forbs). Any time there are more undesirables than desirables, it will be 1 point. Desirable species must total more than 

50% of the total biomass. Dominant species are ≥15%. Functional groups must be ≥15% of stand to be counted. 

Soil(s), ESD(s) and or FSG(s):

Current Season's Precipitation (check one)

Evaluate the site and rate each indicator based upon your observations. Scores for each indicator may range from 1 to 5. Sum the indicator scores to 

determine overall pasture condition score.

Soil cover is >80% 

with good biological 

activity and 

decomposition of older 

residue.

Pasture Condition Score Sheet

Plant Diversity by Dry Weight 

(*See footnote at bottom of page)

Seasonal Temperature Trend (check one)

2 functional groups 

each represented by 

minor species totaling 

≥15%

4 dominant desirable 

species in 2 functional 

groups AND 1 

additional functional 

group represented by 

minor species totaling 

≥15%

Plant Residue 

and Litter as 

Soil Cover (Pull 

back canopy )

There is <20% cover 

on the soil surface or it 

is excessive, and slow 

to break down.

Soil cover is 41-60%. Soil cover is 61-80%.

1/28/2020
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Natural Resources Conservation Service

 

Indicator 1 Point 2 Points 3 Points 4 Points 5 Points Points

Livestock 

Concentration 

Areas (If field <1 

acre, see ** 

footnote) 

Livestock 

concentration areas 

are within 100 feet of, 

or are a direct 

conveyance to surface 

water, and cover more 

than 0.1 acre, 

including trails.

Livestock 

concentration areas 

are within 100 feet of, 

or are a direct 

conveyance to surface 

water, and cover less 

than 0.1 acre, 

including trails.

Livestock 

concentration areas 

are farther than 100 

feet from and are not a 

direct conveyance to 

surface water, and 

cover more than 0.1 

acre, including trails.

Livestock 

concentration areas 

are farther than 100 

feet and are not a 

direct conveyance to 

surface water, and 

cover less than 0.1 

acre, including trails.

Livestock 

concentration areas, 

including trails, not 

present.

Compaction: Dense 

or thick platy layer very 

distinct; 

Compaction: Dense 

or moderate platy layer 

noticeable;

Compaction: Thin 

dense or platy layer 

still present;

Compaction: Minor 

dense or platy layer; 

good aggregates 

common (crumbly 

soil);

Compaction: No 

dense or platy layers; 

crumbly soil 

throughout;

Roots: Dominantly 

horizontal; most 

shallow/sparse;

Roots: Numerous 

horizontal; moderate 

amount 

shallow/sparse;

Roots: Some 

horizontal with 

increasing downward;

Roots: Few 

horizontal, more 

downward through the 

soil profile;

Roots: Abundant 

growth primarily 

downward through the 

soil profile;

Color: Surface 

horizon same as 

subsoil;

Color: Surface 

horizon moderately 

darker than subsoil;

Color: Surface 

horizon dramatically 

darker than subsoil;

Soil Life: Few or no 

signs.

Soil Life: Signs 

scattered in surface 

layer.

Soil Life: Signs 

scattered throughout.

Soil Life: Signs 

numerous throughout.

Soil Life: Signs 

abundant throughout.

Plant Vigor

No plant recovery after 

grazing/harvest. Pale, 

yellow or brown, or 

severe stunting of 

desirable forage.

Some recovery. 

Yellowish green 

forage, or moderately 

or slight stunting of 

desirable forage.

Adequate recovery of 

desirable forage. 

Yellowish and dark 

green areas due to 

manure and urine 

patches.

Good recovery of 

desirable forage. Light 

green and dark green 

forage present.

Rapid recovery of 

desirable forage. All 

healthy green forage.

Sheet and Rill: Plant 

density is insufficient 

to stop runoff, with 

poor infiltration. 

Erosion easily visible 

throughout pasture;

Sheet and Rill: Plant 

density slows runoff. 

Erosion present and 

easily seen on steeper 

terrain;

Sheet and Rill: Plant 

density good and 

runoff moderate. If 

present, erosion 

concentrated on 

heavily used areas;

Sheet and Rill: Plant 

density high, runoff 

low, good infiltration. 

May have evidence of 

past erosion if present;

Sheet and Rill: Plant 

density high, no runoff, 

good infiltration. No 

evidence of present or 

past erosion;

Wind: Severe scoured 

areas and deposition 

throughout;

Wind: Scoured areas 

common, deposition 

effecting plants;

Wind: Occasional 

scoured areas, litter 

windrolled; 

Wind: Minimal soil 

exposed, some 

detatched vegetation 

windrolled, minor plant 

damage;

Wind: No exposed 

soil; 

Streambank and/or 

Shoreline: Banks 

bare, major sloughing, 

no bank vegetation;

Streambank and/or 

Shoreline: More than 

half the bank 

vegetation trampled; 

sloughing.

Streambank and/or 

Shoreline: Less than 

half the bank 

vegetation trampled; 

eroding at 

crossing/entrances. 

Streambank and/or 

Shoreline: Eroding at 

crossings, entrances; 

all the bank vegetation 

is intact and banks are 

stable.

Streambank and/or 

Shoreline: Vegetation 

intact and stable, 

hardened crossings 

and alternative water 

sources used; 

Gully: Very large 

mass movement, 

caving sides.

Gully: Advancing 

upslope, increasing 

fingering extensions.

Gully: Not all active 

but extensions 

present.

Gully: Stable with 

vegetative cover.

Gully: None, drainage 

ways vegetative.

Overall Pasture 

Condition Score

Individual 

Indicator Score

45 to 50 5

35 to 45 4

 25 to 35 3

15 to 25 2

10 to 15 1

No changes in management needed at this time.

Soil Compaction and Soil Regenerative 

Features (***See footnote at bottom of page)

Overall Pasture 

Condition Score = 

Improvements would benefit productivity and/or environment.

Minor changes would enhance, do most beneficial first.

** If field size is less than 1 ac. Use 10% of field size in place of 0.1 acre. ***Use a shovel. Root and Compaction subindicators are primary and 

should be considered first. Soil color and soil life are secondary subindicators which can be considered where applicable.

Major effort required in time, management and expense.

Management Change Suggested

Comments/Notes: Erosion (Circle all that apply; the overall indicator score will be the lowest rating indicated)

Needs immediate management changes, high return likely.

1/28/2020
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Acknowledgments

Kevin Ogles, NRCS East National Technology Support Center (ENTSC) Grazing Specialist, North Carolina (Revision Team Lead)

Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist/Grazing Specialist, Indiana (Contributing Author and Scoresheet Editor)

Kris Vance, NRCS Public Affairs Specialist, Indiana (Contributing Design Editor)

Contributing Authors and Reviewers:

Greg Brann, Retired NRCS State Grazing Specialist, Tennessee

Brendan Brazee, NRCS State Rangeland Conservationist, Idaho

Marty Chaney, NRCS State Pasture Management Specialist, Washington

Jill Claasen, Retired NRCS State Specialist, South Carolina

J.B. Daniel, NRCS State Conservation Agronomist, Virginia

Sarah Goslee, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Ecologist, Pennsylvania 

Justin Morris, NRCS Northeast Region Soil Health Specialist, Wisconsin

Susan Parry, NRCS Natural Resource Specialist, Pennsylvania

Johanna Pate, NRCS Central National Technology Support Center (CNTSC) Rangeland Management Specialist, Texas 

Brian Pillsbury, NRCS State Grazing Specialist, Wisconsin

Karin Sonnen, NRCS State Range Management Specialist, Alaska

Roger Staff, NRCS Grazing Specialist, Illinois 

David Toledo, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Research Rangeland Management Specialist, North Dakota

Steve Woodruff, NRCS East National Technology Support Center (ENTSC) Agronomist, North Carolina

Authors extend their thanks to Extension and NRCS reviewers for their input on technical content.

This publication and the Pasture Condition Score Sheet that accompanies it were adapted from the Guide to Pasture 

Condition Scoring, May 2001. Dennis Cosgrove; Dan Undersander; and James Cropper.