Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Surface Drainage, Field Ditch Code: 607

Units: ft.

C F R P Pr FS D O AL

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion 0

Soil Erosion - Wind Erosion -1

Soil Erosion - Ephemeral Gully Erosion 2

Soil Erosion - Classic Gully Erosion -1

Soil Erosion - Streambank, Shoreline, Water Conveyance C 0

Soil Quality Degradation

 Organic Matter Depletion -2

 Compaction 1

 Subsidence -1

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 2

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps 0

 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 2

 Insufficient Water - Inefficient Moisture Management 2

Water Quality Degradation

 Pesticides in Surface Water 0

 Pesticides in Groundwater 1

 Nutrients in Surface water -2

 Nutrients in Groundwater 1

 Salts in Surface Water -2

 Salts in Groundwater 1

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

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 1 

If the drain is designed to collect surface runoff, pesticides in surface water may be increased. If the purpose is to collect subsurface 

water, surface runoff will be decreased and aerobic degradation of pesticide residues will increase.

The action decreases deep percolation and promotes aerobic degradation of pesticide residues.

Increasing the rate of runoff from a field can increase the amount of soluble pollutants delivered to surface water.

The action facilitates the removal of surface runoff, thus reducing percolation of water and nutrients.

The action removes both surface and subsurface flows and soluble contaminates from site.

The action removes surface flows before infiltration and intercepts subsurface flows.

Where pathogens are transported by sediments

The action removes surface flows before infiltration and intercepts subsurface flows.

Control of water table - subsurface water is collected and conveyed to a proper outlet.

Not Applicable

Drains can collect water for beneficial use or reuse and improved soil, water air relationship.

Drains can collect water for beneficial use or reuse and improved soil, water air relationship.

Soils have less risk of compaction when they are dryer.

Drainage increases organic matter oxidation.

Soluble pollutants will decrease because of increased water removal.

Not Applicable

Because of improved drainage.

A graded ditch for collecting excess water in a field.

Drainage increases organic matter oxidation.

Not Applicable

Improving drainage may increase surface soil drying. 

Reducing soil profile saturation increases infiltration by improving drainage and therefore decreases water runoff. 

Because of higher concentration and velocities from water collection.

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 -2

 Elevated Water Temperature 0

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte -2

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 1

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 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) 0

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

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Increase or decrease in cover/shelter depends on plant species on the site due to soil moisture/plant relationships.

The action will increase available wet habitat for some species and decrease it for others. 

Not Applicable

Quantity and quality of forage species will be improved if drainage is installed to enhance their production.

Not Applicable

Increase or decrease in food supply depends on plant species on the site and degree of drainage.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Improved drainage enhances growing environment for non-hydrophytes. If hydrophytes are desired, drainage will increase the 

problem.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

The action removes surface flows before infiltration and intercepts subsurface flows.

Increased drainage and runoff will carry sediments.

Surface water is conveyed relatively quickly, reducing the risk of warming.

Heavy metals are carried with sediment to surface waters.