Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Forage and Biomass Planting Code: 512

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 2

 Subsidence 0

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 0

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps 0

 Excess Water - Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding 1

 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 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 1 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

The plant species selected will decrease runoff and erosion.

Not applicable.

Permanent vegetation will uptake excess nutrients.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

The improved vegetative cover and increased soil microbiological activity will reduce movement of pathogens, however a land use 

change to pasture may increase potential pathogen levels.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

There will be enhanced biomass production, root development, litter accumulation, increased biological activity, and/or reduced 

tillage if associated with change in land use.

Not Applicable

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

There will be an increase in cover and infiltration, reducing runoff and overland flow.

Establishing adapted and/or compatible species, varieties, or cultivars of herbaceous species suitable for pasture, hay, or biomass 

production.

There will be enhanced biomass production, root development, litter accumulation, increased biological activity, and/or reduced 

tillage if associated with change in land use.

Establishment of adapted species increases vegetative cover and reduces erosion potential. During the establishment period, there 

may be a slight to moderate risk of erosion, depending on seedbed preparation, seeding method, and species planted.

Establishment of adapted species increases vegetative cover and reduces erosion potential. During the establishment period, there 

may be a slight to moderate risk of erosion, depending on seedbed preparation, seeding method, and species planted.

Establishment of adapted species increases vegetative cover and reduces erosion potential. During the establishment period, there 

may be a slight to moderate risk of erosion, depending on seedbed preparation, seeding method, and species planted.

There will be an increase of vegetative cover and reduced runoff in the watershed in the long-term. 

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 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 1

 Emissions of Ozone Precursors 0

 Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) 4

 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 5

 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.

Plant species are selected that are well-adapted and compatible to the site and provide cover for wildlife.

Not Applicable

Not applicable.

Plant species will be selected that accommodate seasonal livestock production and nutritional needs.

Not Applicable

Planted species provide food for certain species.

Establishing permanent vegetation reduces the potential for generation of particulates by wind erosion.

Not Applicable

Vegetation removes CO2 from the air and stores it in the form of carbon in the plants and soil. Also, use of biomass as an alternative 

energy source can greatly reduce the use of (and emissions of CO2 from) fossil fuels.

Not Applicable

Plants are selected based on site adaptability.

Plants selected are adapted and suited.

Not applicable. 

Not Applicable

Not applicable.

There will be improved vegetative cover with a reduction of runoff and sedimentation.

Not Applicable

Increased uptake by some pasture plants and reduced erosion and runoff may reduce off-site movement of heavy metals attached to 

sediment.