Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Riparian Forest Buffer Code: 391

Units: ac

C F R P Pr FS D O AL

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion 3

Soil Erosion - Wind Erosion 2

Soil Erosion - Ephemeral Gully Erosion 1

Soil Erosion - Classic Gully Erosion 3

Soil Erosion - Streambank, Shoreline, Water Conveyance C 4

Soil Quality Degradation

 Organic Matter Depletion 4

 Compaction 4

 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 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 3

 Pesticides in Groundwater 1

 Nutrients in Surface water 5

 Nutrients in Groundwater 5

 Salts in Surface Water 1

 Salts in Groundwater 1

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 3 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 1 

Trees, shrubs and other vegetation reduce runoff, trap adsorbed pesticides, take up pesticide residues and may intercept pesticide 

drift.

Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation take up pesticide residues. Also, pesticide degradation may be improved by increased soil 

organic matter and biological activity.

Plants and soil organisms in the buffer will utilize nutrients. The buffer will filter out suspended particles to which nutrients are 

attached.

Permanent vegetation will uptake excess nutrients.

The action increases infiltration and reduces runoff.

The action may result in some uptake by plants.

Riparian areas capture and delay pathogen movement and thereby increase their mortality.

Riparian areas capture and delay pathogen movement and increase pathogen mortality. Soil microbial activity enhances competition 

with pathogens.

Plants uptake excess water.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Root penetration and organic matter helps restore soil structure.

Not Applicable

Increased vegetation will increase salt uptake and increased organic matter may tie up salts and other chemicals.

Plants uptake excess water.

Trees or shrubs increase infiltration but may retard flood water movement from the site.

An area predominantly trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from watercourses or water bodies.

Increased vegetative matter and its breakdown increases soil organic matter.

Vegetation and surface litter reduces erosive water energy on the planted site.

Vegetation creates a wind shadow and reduces erosive wind velocities and provides a stable area which stops saltating particles.

Vegetation reduces erosive energy of concentrated flows.

Reduces runoff and erosion.

Roots of vegetation binds the soil making it resistant to water flow erosion.

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 5

 Elevated Water Temperature 5

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 3

 Petroleum, Heavy Metals and Other Pollutants Transporte 1

Air Quality Impacts

 Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors 1

 Emissions of Ozone Precursors 0

 Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) 3

 Objectionable Odors 0

Degraded Plant Condition

 Undesirable Plant Productivity and Health 5

 Inadequate Structure and Composition 5

 Excessive Plant Pest Pressure 3

 Wildfire Hazard, Excessive Biomass Accumulation 0

Fish and Wildlife - Inadequate Habitat

 Inadequate Habitat - Food 5

 Inadequate Habitat - Cover/Shelter 5

 Inadequate Habitat - Water 3

 Inadequate Habitat - Habitat Continuity (Space) 5

Livestock Production Limitation

 Inadequate Feed and Forage 1

 Inadequate Shelter 1

 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

Improved plant diversity and quality and quantity of vegetation provides cover for wildlife. 

Water can be temporarily trapped in the riparian area. Warm-season water is cooled.

Buffers can restore desired habitats/space.

These sites may be used as feed and forage by livestock if the intended purpose is maintained.

Buffers can provide shade and protection from wind.

Improved plant diversity and quality and quantity of vegetation provides food for wildlife. 

Vegetation reduces erosive wind velocities and provides a stable area which stops saltating particles.

Not Applicable

Vegetation removes CO2 from the air and stores it in the form of carbon in the plants and soil.

Not Applicable

Plants are selected and managed to maintain optimal productivity and health.

Buffer establishment and management creates or maintains the desired plant community. 

Vegetation is installed and managed to control undesired species. 

Not Applicable

The action may result in metal uptake by some plants.

Vegetation protects soil surface and traps sediment, nutrients and other materials. 

Riparian forest canopy shades streams and rivers, moderating water temperatures.

The action filters sediment, and some plants may take up heavy metals.