Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Saturated Buffer 604 Code: 604 

Units: ft.

C P FS 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 2

 Compaction 0

 Subsidence 2

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 0

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps 1

 Excess Water - Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding -2

 Excess Water - Seasonal High Water Table 2

 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 2

 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 1

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 1

Redirecting subsurface drainage water discharges onto a riparian buffer for treatment and removal of nitrate

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:

Subsurface water is managed to limit periods of saturation compatible with the present or intended land use.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Maintaining water table in the root zone decreases oxidation of organic matter. Lowering water table can increase oxidation in

certain situations.

Not Applicable

Reducing oxidation of organic matter will reduce the opportunity for subsidence.

If the water table is kept high, salt build up may occur.

Water table is managed to prevent excessive seepage.

Runoff is controlled to create ponding or flooding conditions.

Drainage reduces runoff and erosion.

Drainage increases aerobic pesticide degradation in the root zone during the periods when crops are growing. 

The rate of water release is slower than under natural conditions, allowing more time for some nutrients in solution to volatilize and 

for sediment-attached nutrient to settle out.

The action increases groundwater elevation which moves it closer in proximity to nutrients. This increases the potential to 

contaminate groundwater.

The action can reduce the rate at which salt-contaminated water is released, but has no effect on the amount of salt.

Not Applicable

Water releases are controlled, lowering the overall amount of drainage water released. 

The action will alter the timing and possibly amount of drainage. Holding water in root zone may contribute to pathogen die-off. 
 Excessive Sediment in Surface Water 0

 Elevated Water Temperature 0

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 2

 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) 1

 Objectionable Odors 0

Degraded Plant Condition

 Undesirable Plant Productivity and Health 2

 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 0

 Inadequate Habitat - Habitat Continuity (Space) 2

Livestock Production Limitation

 Inadequate Feed and Forage 4

 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

Changing the soil water level can affect soil chemistry, which can increase the solubility of some metals. This may make them more 

or less susceptible to leaching. 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Water releases are controlled giving less opportunity for heavy metal-laden sediment to enter surface water.

Not Applicable

Managing drainage water can keep the soil surface moist, reducing the potential for wind erosion.

Not Applicable

Provides for conditions to promote plant growth. Increased plant growth removes CO2 from the air and stores it in the form of 

carbon in the plants and soil.

Not Applicable

Drainage provides conditions for optimum plant growth.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Seasonal flooding provides water for some species.

Seasonal flooding provides habitat for some species.

Optimum moisture is maintained for forage production.

Not Applicable