Effects of NRCS Conservation Practices - National

Tree/Shrub Site Preparation Code: 490

Units: ac

C F R P Pr FS D O AL

Soil Erosion Effect Rationale

Soil Erosion - Sheet and Rill Erosion -1

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 0

 Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals 0

Excess Water

 Excess Water - Seeps 0

 Excess Water - Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding 0

 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 5

Water Quality Degradation

 Pesticides in Surface Water -1

 Pesticides in Groundwater -1

 Nutrients in Surface water 0

 Nutrients in Groundwater 0

 Salts in Surface Water 0

 Salts in Groundwater 0

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

 Excess Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Bio-solid 0 

Treatment of areas to improve site conditions for establishing trees and/or shrubs.

Removal of vegetation and litter from a site removes organic material that could have become soil organic matter. 

An area with disturbed soil or reduction in vegetative cover and surface litter has potential for increases in erosive water energy. 

An area with bare soil or reduction in vegetative cover and surface litter has potential for increased exposure of the soil surface to 

erosive wind energy. 

An area with disturbed soil or reduction in vegetative cover and surface litter has potential for increases in erosive water energy. 

An area with disturbed soil or reduction in vegetative cover and surface litter has potential for increases in erosive water energy. 

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:

Temporary site condition.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Mechanical disturbance of soil surface increases infiltration rate and soil moisture retention.

Use of heavy equipment compacts soil.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Temporary site condition.

Herbicides, if used, could reach surface water.

Herbicides, if used, could reach groundwater.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Temporary site condition.

Increased woody vegetation on site may encourage microbial activity in the soil, reducing pathogen numbers.
 Excessive Sediment in Surface Water -1

 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 5

 Inadequate Structure and Composition 3

 Excessive Plant Pest Pressure 5

 Wildfire Hazard, Excessive Biomass Accumulation 3

Fish and Wildlife - Inadequate Habitat

 Inadequate Habitat - Food 0

 Inadequate Habitat - Cover/Shelter 0

 Inadequate Habitat - Water -1

 Inadequate Habitat - Habitat Continuity (Space) 0

Livestock Production Limitation

 Inadequate Feed and Forage 0

 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

Increased woody vegetation on site may result in minor uptake of contaminants.

Soil disturbance increases erosion from the site.

Eventual canopy cover of stand will shade streams.

Not Applicable

Temporary site conditions may decrease food species used by wildlife. 

Exhaust from equipment operation and dust from soil-disturbing activities add particulate matter to the air.

There is a short-term increase in vehicle emissions and ozone precursors from site preparation equipment.

There is a short-term increase in vehicle emissions from site preparation equipment.

Not Applicable

Site is altered to allow more suitable species to grow resulting in increased productivity, improved health and vigor. 

Site is altered to allow more suited and desired species to grow. 

Site conditions are managed to minimize undesired vegetation.

Activities reduce fuel load buildup.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Temporary site conditions may decrease cover/shelter for wildlife. 

Not Applicable

Conditions created are temporary. The action is designed to recreate woody habitat/space.

Not Applicable

Activities can remove protective brush and trees.