Attachment – Resource Concerns for Cropland and Grazing with NOP Reference: RESOURCE CONCERN ASSESSMENT FOR CROPLAND—Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition must evaluate each of the 8 primary resource concerns associated with this CAP and list those fields that DO NOT meet the minimum treatment level. Not all resource concerns listed apply or occur on all farms. For those resource concerns that do not apply indicate using a “NA” in the comments. Conservation practices that the producer makes a decision to apply shall be listed in the Schedule of Planned Conservation Practices table. All assessment and measurement data should be provided. Other resource concerns can be addressed in the plan if the producer is interested in addressing them. RESOURCE CONCERN ASSESSMENT FOR CROPLAND NRCS Resource Concern Description of Concern NOP Regulation Practice Standard(s) Minimum Treatment Measurement & Assessment Tool SOIL EROSION - Sheet, rill Detachment and transportation of soil particles caused by rainfall runoff/splash, irrigation runoff or wind that degrades soil quality 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.205 Crop rotation practice standard Soil loss per RUSLE2 is < T + 1 ton Attach RUSLE2 Printout for each SOIL EROSION - Wind erosion Detachment and transportation of soil particles caused by rainfall runoff/splash, irrigation runoff or wind that degrades soil quality 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.205 Crop rotation practice standard Soil Loss per WEPS is < T + 1 ton Attach WEPS Printout for each field SOIL EROSION - Concentrated flow erosion Untreated classic gullies may enlarge progressively by head cutting and/or lateral widening. Ephemeral gullies occur in the same flow area and are obscured by tillage. This includes concentrated flow erosion caused by runoff from rainfall, snowmelt or irrigation water. 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.205 Crop rotation practice standard Concentrated flow erosion is stabilized In field observation SOIL QUALITY - Organic Matter Depletion Soil organic matter is not adequate to provide a suitable medium for plant growth, animal habitat, and soil biological activity 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.205 Crop rotation practice standard Soil condition index (SCI) per RUSLE2 is > 0.0 RUSLE2 printout with SCI calculation Printout for each
WATER - Inefficient use of irrigation water Irrigation water is not stored, delivered, scheduled and/or applied efficiently 205.200 General Water is scheduled and applied efficiently State established criteria is met Irrigation Schedule State established criteria WATER QUALITY - Excess nutrients in surface and ground waters Nutrients - organic and inorganic - are transported to receiving waters through surface runoff and/or leaching into shallow ground waters in quantities that degrade water quality and limit use for intended purposes 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.205 Crop rotation practice standard Nutrient applications are based on soil and/or tissue tests and nutrient budget for realistic crop yields Nitrogen & Phosphorus loss risk assessments are acceptable Describe and attach N & P assessments DEGRADED PLANT CONDITION - Plant productivity and health Plant productivity, vigor and/or quality negatively impacts other resources or does not meet yield potential due to improper fertility, management or plants not adapted to site As an example this concern addresses pollinators, beneficial insects, wind erosion, and excess soil deposition that influence plant condition 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.205 Crop rotation practice standard Plants are adapted to the site, managed to meet realistic production objectives identified by the client, and do not negatively impact other resources. Site observation and documentation of applicable practices Client-identified yield objectives Crop Damage Tolerance Tables from WEPS Plant ID field guides and pollinator guides to assess diversity
DEGRADED PLANT CONDITION - Excess Pest Excessive pest damage to plants including that from undesired plants, diseases, animals, soil borne pathogens, and nematodes As an example, this concern addresses invasive animal and insect species 205.206 Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice standard Pest damage to plants does not exceed economic, environmental thresholds or other client-identified criteria Plant pests, including noxious and invasive species are managed to eradicate, control or minimize spread Client interview Site observation and documentation of applicable practices Available risk assessment tools for invasive species guides for plant, insect or disease pests PLANTS Database RESOURCE CONCERN ASSESSMENT FOR GRAZING SYSTEMS—Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition must evaluate each of the 11 primary resource concerns associated with this CAP and list those fields that DO NOT meet the minimum treatment level. Not all resource concerns listed apply or occur on all farms. For those resource concerns that do not apply indicate using a “NA” in the comments. Conservation practices that the producer makes a decision to apply shall be listed in the Schedule of Planned Conservation Practices table. All assessment and measurement data should be provided. Other resource concerns can be addressed in the plan if the producer is interested in addressing them. RESOURCE CONCERN ASSESSMENT FOR GRAZING SYSTEMS Resource Concern Description of Concern NOP Regulation Practice Standard(s) Minimum Treatment Level Measurement & Assessment Tool SOIL EROSION - rill Detachment and transportation of soil particles caused by rainfall runoff/splash, irrigation runoff or wind that degrades soil quality 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.240 Pasture practice standard Soil loss per RUSLE2 is < T Attach RUSLE2 Printout for each field SOIL EROSION - Wind erosion Detachment and transportation of soil particles caused by rainfall runoff/splash, irrigation runoff or wind that degrades soil quality 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard 205.240 Pasture practice standard Soil Loss per WEPS is < T Attach WEPS Printout for each field
DEGRADED PLANT CONDITION - Plant productivity and health Plant productivity, vigor and/or quality negatively impacts other resources or does not meet yield potential due to improper fertility, management or plants not adapted to site This concern addresses pollinators, beneficial insects, wind erosion, and excess soil deposition that influence plant condition 205.202 Land Requirement 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard Plant Condition Score - desirable plants ≥ 3 Plant Condition Score - plant cover ≥ 4 Plant Condition Score - plant vigor ≥ 4 Plants are adapted to the site, meet production goals and do not negatively impact other resources. Pasture Condition Score Forage Suitability Groups reports