Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Spring Development Code: 574

Units: no.

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 1

Soil Erosion - Streambank, Shoreline, Water Conveyance C 1

Soil Quality Degradation

 Organic Matter Depletion 0

 Compaction -1

 Subsidence 0

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 0

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps 2

 Excess Water - Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding 1

 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 0

 Nutrients in Surface water 0

 Nutrients in Groundwater 0

 Salts in Surface Water 1

 Salts in Groundwater 0

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 1 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Spring flows provide some dilution effect.

Not Applicable

Spring flows are typically better quality than surface flows allowing opportunity for dilution. Effect depends on the proportion of one 

flow to the other.

Not Applicable

Subsurface water collected and removed from the site.

Not Applicable

Provides a dependable supply of water allowing improved management.

Provides a dependable supply of water allowing improved management.

Increased animal traffic around developed water source will increase compaction potential especially if the soil is moist.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Water collected and removed from site.

Water collected and removed from site.

Collection of water from springs or seeps to provide water for a conservation need.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Collection of water reduces runoff.

Spring development removes seeps and flows that keep stream banks saturated and easily erodible.

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 2

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 0

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) 2

Livestock Production Limitation

 Inadequate Feed and Forage 2

 Inadequate Shelter 0

 Inadequate Water 5

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

The spring increases the quality and quantity of water for livestock.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Provides water for terrestrial species.

Additional habitat/space is available once spring water is available.

Improved distribution of animals makes forage more readily available to livestock.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Available water to facilitate irrigation or grazing management improves growth and vigor of plants.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Water development will decrease livestock trampling in wet areas and nearby streams.

Springs are cooler than surface water and their proximity to streams moderates stream temperatures, via hyporheic exchange. 

Development of springs may decrease amount of hyporheic water in channel. .

Spring flows are typically better quality than surface flows allowing opportunity for dilution. Effect depends on the proportion of one 

flow to the other.