Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Mulching Code: 484

Units: ac.

C F R P Pr FS D O AL

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion 4

Soil Erosion - Wind Erosion 4

Soil Erosion - Ephemeral Gully Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Classic Gully Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Streambank, Shoreline, Water Conveyance Ch 0

Soil Quality Degradation

 Organic Matter Depletion 1

 Compaction 0

 Subsidence 0

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 1

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps -1

 Excess Water - Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding 1

 Excess Water - Seasonal High Water Table -1

 Excess Water - Drifted Snow 0

Insufficient Water

 Insufficient Water - Inefficient Use of Irrigation Water 2

 Insufficient Water - Inefficient Moisture Management 2

Water Quality Degradation

 Pesticides in Surface Water 2

 Pesticides in Groundwater 0

 Nutrients in Surface water 2

 Nutrients in Groundwater -1

 Salts in Surface Water 1

The action reduces runoff, erosion and the need for pesticide use. Impervious mulches may increase runoff.

Not Applicable

The action reduces erosion and runoff, reducing the loss of dissolved and sediment-bound nutrients from the site.

The action increases infiltration that contributes to nutrient leaching. Also, high organic carbon will cause microbes to immobilize 

nutrients.

Less runoff reduces transport potential of soluble salts.

Increased infiltration results in more water moving through the profile.

Not Applicable

Increases infiltration and decreases evaporation resulting in more available water. 

Increases infiltration and decreases evaporation resulting in more available water.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Reduced evaporation may reduce salt build-up. Added organic matter will buffer salts.

Increased infiltration results in more water moving through the profile.

Increased infiltration, reduces runoff and ponding.

Applying plant residues or other suitable materials produced off site, to the land surface

Decreased erosion and biomass addition from organic mulches will increase soil organic matter.

Soil cover reduces erosion from water. 

Soil cover reduces erosion from wind. 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

AL-Aso Land

O-Other

W-Water

D-Developed 

FS-Farmstead 

Pr-Protected 

P

F-Forest

R-Range

-Pasture

C-Crop

Typical Landuse:
 Salts in Groundwater -1

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solids 0

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solids 0

 Excessive Sediment in Surface Water 2

 Elevated Water Temperature 0

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 0

 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) 0

 Objectionable Odors 0

Degraded Plant Condition

 Undesirable Plant Productivity and Health 2

 Inadequate Structure and Composition 0

 Excessive Plant Pest Pressure 2

 Wildfire Hazard, Excessive Biomass Accumulation 0

Fish and Wildlife - Inadequate Habitat

 Inadequate Habitat - Food 1

 Inadequate Habitat - Cover/Shelter 1

 Inadequate Habitat - Water 0

 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

Mulching enhances cover/shelter conditions.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Mulching enhances production of any food species planted.

Mulches can stabilize the soil surface, reducing the generation of particulate matter.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Mulching materials improve growing conditions contributing to increased plant health and vigor.

Not Applicable

Thick and/or impenetrable mulch cover can prevent emergence of undesired species.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Better infiltration increases leaching potential.

Not Applicable

Better infiltration could increase leaching, but increased microbial activity increases competition with pathogens.

Less erosion and runoff reduces transport of sediment.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable