Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Herbaceous Wind Barriers Code: 603

Units: ft

C Pr O 

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Wind Erosion 4

Soil Erosion - Ephemeral Gully Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Classic Gully Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Streambank, Shoreline, Water Conveyance C 0

Soil Quality Degradation

 Organic Matter Depletion 2

 Compaction 0

 Subsidence 0

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 0

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps 0

 Excess Water - Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding 0

 Excess Water - Seasonal High Water Table 0

 Excess Water - Drifted Snow 0

Insufficient Water

 Insufficient Water - Inefficient Use of Irrigation Water 0

 Insufficient Water - Inefficient Moisture Management 3

Water Quality Degradation

 Pesticides in Surface Water 1

 Pesticides in Groundwater 0

 Nutrients in Surface water 1

 Nutrients in Groundwater 0

 Salts in Surface Water 0

 Salts in Groundwater 0

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

Herbaceous vegetation established in rows or narrow strips in the field across the prevailing wind direction.

Organic matter loss by wind erosion is reduced.

Not Applicable

Stiff stemmed herbaceous vegetation established across the prevailing wind erosion direction reduces soil erosion from wind by 

trapping saltating soil particles and sheltering an area down wind.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

AL-Aso Land 

W-Water 

O-Other 

D-Developed 

FS-Farmstead 

Pr-Protected 

P-Pasture 

F-Forest 

R-Range 

C-Crop

Typical Landuse:

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Trapped snow can provide additional plant available moisture.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

The action reduces soil erosion from wind. Also, the barriers may attract beneficial insects or trap insect pests which reduce the 

need for pesticide applications. 

Not Applicable

The action reduces soil erosion from wind and the potential transport of soil-adsorbed nutrients to surface water.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable
 Excessive Sediment in Surface Water 1

 Elevated Water Temperature 0

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 1

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 0

Air Quality Impacts

 Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors 2

 Emissions of Ozone Precursors 0

 Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) 2

 Objectionable Odors 0

Degraded Plant Condition

 Undesirable Plant Productivity and Health 2

 Inadequate Structure and Composition 5

 Excessive Plant Pest Pressure 4

 Wildfire Hazard, Excessive Biomass Accumulation 0

Fish and Wildlife - Inadequate Habitat

 Inadequate Habitat - Food 2

 Inadequate Habitat - Cover/Shelter 2

 Inadequate Habitat - Water 0

 Inadequate Habitat - Habitat Continuity (Space) 2

Livestock Production Limitation

 Inadequate Feed and Forage 0

 Inadequate Shelter 0

 Inadequate Water 0

Inefficient Energy Use

 Equipment and Facilities 0

 Farming/Ranching Practices and Field Operations 0

CPPE Practice Effects: 0 No Effect

5 Substantial Improvement -1 Slight Worsening

4 Moderate to Substantial Improvement -2 Slight to Moderate Worsening

3 Moderate Improvement -3 Moderate Worsening

2 Slight to Moderate Improvement -4 Moderate to Substantial Worsening

1 Slight Improvement -5 Substantial Worsening

Not Applicable

Vegetation reduces soil erosion from wind and the resulting offsite sediment deposits

Not Applicable

Reduced wind erosion reduces transport of metals attached to dust.

Increased quality and quantity of vegetation provides more food for wildlife. 

Properly spaced barriers can effectively reduce wind erosion and particulate emissions.

Not Applicable

Vegetation removes CO2 from the air and stores it in the form of carbon in the plants and soil and reduced soil loss/organic matter

Not Applicable

Plants selected will be maintained at optimal growing conditions for the intended purpose.

Plants selected are adapted and suited. 

Vegetation is installed and managed to control undesired species. 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Increased quality and quantity of vegetation provides more cover for wildlife. 

Not Applicable

Herbaceous wind barriers can provide additional habitat/space. 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable