Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Forage Harvest Management Code: 511

Units: ac.

C P 

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion 1

Soil Erosion - Wind Erosion 1

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 1

 Compaction 3

 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 1

 Insufficient Water - Inefficient Moisture Management 1

Water Quality Degradation

 Pesticides in Surface Water 2

 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 1 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

The timely cutting and removal or forages from the field as hay, green-chop, or ensilage.

There will be an increase in vegetative cover and deeper root systems that may increase soil organic material.

Maintaining a vigorous vegetative cover will reduce soil detachment by water. 

Maintaining a vigorous vegetative cover will reduce soil detachment by 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

Improved forage management improves water use efficiency.

Improved forage management improves water use efficiency.

There will be improved root development, litter accumulation, increased biological activity and decrease number of mechanical 

operations. 

Not Applicable

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Managing for desirable plant health and vigor reduces the need for pesticide applications.

Not applicable.

Improved management and plant health and vigor reduces nutrients and organics used.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Management improves vegetative cover, decrease runoff, and increased soil microbiological activity.

Not applicable.
 Excessive Sediment in Surface Water 0

 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 0

 Emissions of Ozone Precursors 0

 Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) 0

 Objectionable Odors 0

Degraded Plant Condition

 Undesirable Plant Productivity and Health 1

 Inadequate Structure and Composition 1

 Excessive Plant Pest Pressure 0

 Wildfire Hazard, Excessive Biomass Accumulation 0

Fish and Wildlife - Inadequate Habitat

 Inadequate Habitat - Food 1

 Inadequate Habitat - Cover/Shelter 1

 Inadequate Habitat - Water 1

 Inadequate Habitat - Habitat Continuity (Space) 0

Livestock Production Limitation

 Inadequate Feed and Forage 2

 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.

Not applicable.

Not Applicable

Improved plant density, health and vigor will marginally improve plant uptake. 

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

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Plants are managed to maintain optimal productivity and health.

Plants are managed to maintain the composition of adapted and suited species. 

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not applicable.

Timing of harvest of vegetation improves habitat for wildlife. 

Not Applicable

Not applicable.

Improved management will improve quantity and quality of feed and forage.

Not Applicable