Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Filter Strip Code: 393

Units: ac.

C F R P Pr FS D O AL

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Wind Erosion 0

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 5

 Compaction 5

 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 0

Water Quality Degradation

 Pesticides in Surface Water 2

 Pesticides in Groundwater 1

 Nutrients in Surface water 5

 Nutrients in Groundwater 2

 Salts in Surface Water 1

 Salts in Groundwater 1

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 3 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 1 

The action reduces runoff and traps adsorbed pesticides. Also, the strips may attract beneficial insects or trap insect pests, reducing 

the need for pesticide applications.

There is a potential to increase infiltration and absorption by plant roots and breakdown of pesticides with biological activity.

Solid organics and sediment-attached nutrients are filtered out. Soluble nutrients infiltrate the soil and may be taken up by plants or 

utilized by soil organisms.

Permanent vegetation will take up available nutrients and increase organic matter. The increased organic matter will increase cation 

exchange capacity which will hold nutrients. 

The action slows runoff, which may increase water infiltration, reducing the potential for transport of salts to surface water. 

The action will result in increased uptake by plants.

Filter strips capture and delay pathogen movement, but mortality may also be delayed because vegetative cover may protect 

pathogens from desiccation.

The action captures and delays pathogen movement, but pathogen mortality may also be delayed because vegetative cover may 

protect pathogens from desiccation.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Root penetration and organic matter helps restore soil structure.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

A strip or area of herbaceous vegetation that removes contaminants from overland flow.

Decreased erosion, increased root mass and less oxidation from lack of soil disturbance under permanent cover will increase or 

maintain organic matter. 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

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:
 Excessive Sediment in Surface Water 5

 Elevated Water Temperature 0

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 4

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 1

Air Quality Impacts

 Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors 1

 Emissions of Ozone Precursors 0

 Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) 1

 Objectionable Odors 0

Degraded Plant Condition

 Undesirable Plant Productivity and Health 5

 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

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Increased quality and quantity of vegetation provides more food and cover for wildlife, but vegetation removal limits cover. 

Not Applicable

Increased quality and quantity of vegetation provides more food and cover for wildlife, but vegetation removal limits cover. 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Increased quality and quantity of vegetation provides more food and cover for wildlife, but vegetation removal limits cover. 

Areas converted to permanent vegetation reduce the area susceptible to wind erosion and tillage.

Not Applicable

Vegetation removes CO2 from the air and stores it in the form of carbon in the plants and soil.

Not Applicable

Plants are selected and managed to maintain optimal productivity and health.

Plants selected are adapted and suited. 

Filter strips are installed and managed to control target species. Dense, permanent cover limits invasion by noxious plants.

Not Applicable

Higher organic matter levels increases buffering capacity of the soil. Some plants can take up some heavy metals.

Vegetation protects soil surface and traps sediment, nutrients and other materials. 

Not Applicable

Runoff containing heavy metals is slowed, trapping sediment and increasing infiltration into the soil where metals are often tied up. 

Some plants can take up heavy metals.