Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Hillside Ditch Code: 423

Units: ft.

C F R P Pr FS O AL

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion 2

Soil Erosion - Wind Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Ephemeral Gully Erosion 2

Soil Erosion - Classic Gully Erosion 2

Soil Erosion - Streambank, Shoreline, Water Conveyance C 1

Soil Quality Degradation

 Organic Matter Depletion 0

 Compaction 0

 Subsidence 0

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 0

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps 0

 Excess Water - Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding 4

 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 1

Water Quality Degradation

 Pesticides in Surface Water 1

 Pesticides in Groundwater 0

 Nutrients in Surface water -1

 Nutrients in Groundwater -1

 Salts in Surface Water 0

 Salts in Groundwater 0

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid -2 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

The action diverts water from the pesticide application site.

Not Applicable

The action collects runoff and delivers possible organics and dissolved nutrients to surface water.

The action increases infiltration which may provide transport for nutrients.

The action collects runoff but does not affect the total salt load from the field.

Not Applicable

Collects runoff and delivers possible pesticides to surface water

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Helps collect excess water and convey to other locations where the water maybe used.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Hillside ditch may provide outlet for seepage

Collects and conveys runoff to safe outlet.

A channel that has a supporting ridge on the lower side constructed across the slope at definite vertical intervals and gradient, 

with or without a vegetative barrier.

Not Applicable

A channel constructed across the slope diverts damaging runoff and shortens slope length

Not Applicable

A channel constructed across the slope diverts damaging runoff to a protected outlet. 

Diverts damaging runoff and shorten slope length.

Diverts overland flow that may reach streambanks.

AL-Aso Land 

W-Water 

O-Other 

D-Developed 

FS-Farmstead 

Pr-Protected 

P-Pasture 

F-Forest 

R-Range 

C-Crop

Typical Landuse:
 Excessive Sediment in Surface Water 2

 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 0

 Excessive Plant Pest Pressure 0

 Wildfire Hazard, Excessive Biomass Accumulation 0

Fish and Wildlife - Inadequate Habitat

 Inadequate Habitat - Food 0

 Inadequate Habitat - Cover/Shelter 0

 Inadequate Habitat - Water 2

 Inadequate Habitat - Habitat Continuity (Space) 0

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

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Water will be temporarily available in the ditch.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Diverting runoff and reducing erosion will enhance the health and vigor of desired species.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Collects and slows run-off to a non-erosive velocity.

Ditches collect but do not retain overland flow.

The action collects runoff and may deliver heavy metals to surface water.