TABLE I
table i
pasturea. soilresource quality criteria
resource concern
/definition
/indicator and target values
/assessment tools
A.1. Soil ErosionA.1.a. Sheet and Rill
A.1.b. Wind / The detachment and transport of soil particles by surface runoff and/or the detachment and transport of soil particles by wind forces resulting in a loss of soil productivity or a negative impact to other resources. / Indicator:
Pasture Condition Scorefor Sheet and Rill and
Wind Erosion Indicators;
Target Value:
Pasture Condition Scorefor indicators of each type of erosion is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated; / NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
Forage Suitability Group Descriptions;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
Wind Erosion Equation;
Climatic Data;
A.1.c. Ephemeral
Gully/
Concentrated
Flow / Concentrated flow channels along depressional water courses that begin where overland flow, including rills, converge. / Indicator:
Observation of the presence of active concentrated flow channels.
Target Value:
Absence of concentrated flow channels;
Potential concentrated flow channels do not require intensive tillage or special treatment;
No recent rill development;
Old rills have blunted or muted features; / NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
Forage Suitability Group Descriptions;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
A.1.d. Classic Gully
/ Gullies are channels that may grow or enlarge from year to year by head-cutting and lateral widening. Gullies are too deep to be erased by normal tillage operations. / Indicator:Pasture Condition Scorefor Gully Erosion Indicator;
Target Value:
Pasture Condition Scorefor Gully Erosion Indicator is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated;
Head-cutting is stopped, gully side slopes are stabilized, and no active erosion occurs in the channel bottom; / NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
Forage Suitability Group Descriptions;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
NFM Chapter 2;
TR-55;
A.1.e. Streambank
/ The movement of soil from sloughing of streambanks caused by overbank flow, unstable soils, bank scour at obstructions, unstable channel bottom, or all of these conditions. / Indicator:Pasture Condition Scorefor Streambank or Shoreline Erosion Indicator;
Functioning Condition of streams and associated riparian or wetland areas relative to site capability and potential;
Target Value:
Pasture Condition Scorefor Streambank or Shoreline Erosion Indicator is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated;
Riparian area assessment shows a Functional Rating of either Proper Functioning Condition or Functional-At Risk with an Upward Trend; / NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
Forage Suitability Group Descriptions;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
BLM TR 1737-9 (1993) Process for Assessing Proper Functioning Condition and
Standard Checklist;
USGS Streamflow Data;
A.1.f. Irrigation Induced
/ Soil erosion that is caused by excessive amounts or velocities of water in border, row, furrow, and/or sprinkler irrigation water applications or by water conveyances and tracks from center pivot systems. / Indicator:Presence of sediments in runoff water from irrigated fields;
Evaluation of irrigation system and management using Farm Irrigation Rating Index (FIRS);
Target Value:
No sediments in runoff water from irrigated fields;
FIRS factors Md, S, I, M, and SCI 0.95;
FIRS factors Wc and Sd (sprinkler systems) or factors Ce and L (surface systems) show a minimum increase of 0.5; / Visual Observation;
FOTG Section IV-Anionic Polyacrylamide (PAM) Erosion Control Practice Specification and Practice Documentation Worksheet;
Farm Irrigation Rating System (FIRS) and Farm Irrigation Rating Index (FIRI);
FUSED;
RUSLE;
SPFR;
pasture
a. soilresource quality criteria
resource concern
/definition
/indicator and target values
/assessment tools
A.2. Soil ConditionA.2.a. Soil Tilth,
Soil Crusting,
Water infiltration,
Organic Matter / Unsuitable soil tilth. Soil tilth is the condition of the soil based on suitable combinations of mineral, air, water, and organic matter, resulting in a proper medium in which microbial activity and chemical reactions can occur. / Indicator:
Assessment of pasture species and production history;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Plant Residue, Plant Vigor, and Soil Compaction Indicators;
Target Value:
Soil Condition Rating has a (), or soil-improving score;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Plant Residue, Plant Vigor, and Soil Compaction Indicators is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview;
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Pasture Condition Score Sheet
NRCS Nevadatechnical Note
TN-Agronomy-15;
A.2.b. Soil
Compaction / An increase in soil bulk density (weight per unit volume) that impairs soil productivity. / Indicator:
Pasture Condition Scorefor Soil Compaction Indicator;
Target Value:
Pasture Condition Scorefor Soil Compaction Indicator is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated; / NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
Soil Contaminants
A.2.c. Excess
Chemical Content, Salinity, Selenium, Boron, Heavy Metals / Soil contamination by excess chemical content, salinity, selenium, boron, and heavy metals. Contaminants include desirable and undesirable chemical elements in either organic or inorganic forms that restrict the desired use of the soil. / Indicator:
Soil Electrical Conductivity (Ec) and pH;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Plant Vigor Indicator;
Health history/observation of pastured animals;
Target Value:
Soil Ec and pH within range of tolerance for plants within the pasture evaluated
Pasture Condition Scorefor Plant Vigor Indicator is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated;
No observable or recorded adverse impacts to animals harvesting pasture plants; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
Technical references on plant soil salinity/ chemical element tolerance and heavy metal tolerance and/or uptake ability;
NEH-Part 623, Section 623.0205 "Leaching Requirement";
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and Score Sheet;
Soil Contaminants
A.2.d. Excess
Animal Waste and Other Organics / Excess animal waste and other organics restrict the desired use of the soil. Contaminants include the amount of both desirable and undesirable organic elements or compounds. / Indicator:
Expected pasture production level;
Current soil tests;
Kind, nutrient content, method of application, and amounts of animal waste (manure) applied;
Determination of Phosphorus Index (PI);
Target Value:
Low PI rating;
Animal wastes applied according to soil test and plant needs to meet production objectives;
Animal waste application according to Nutrient Management Practice Specifications; / Client Interview;
Phosphorus Index (PI);
Forage Suitability Group Descriptions;
Nutrient Management Conservation Practice Specification and Practice Documentation Worksheet;
Soil Contaminants
A.2.e. Excess
Fertilizer / Excess fertilizer application or quantity of nutrients applied restricts the desired use of the soil. Contaminants include desirable and undesirable chemical elements in either organic or inorganic forms. / Indicator:
Expected pasture production level;
Current soil tests;
Kind (formulation), method of application, and amounts of fertilizer applied;
Determination of Phosphorus Index (PI)
Target Value:
Low PI rating;
Fertilizer applied according to soil test and plant needs;
Fertilizer application according to Nutrient Management Practice Specifications; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
Phosphorus Index (PI);
Nutrient Management Conservation Practice Specification and Practice Documentation Worksheet;
Soil Contaminants:
A.2.f. Excess
Pesticides / Excess pesticides occur if the application method, pesticide type, or the quantity of the pesticide residuals, restrict desired use of the soil. / Indicator:
Pesticides selected minimize adverse environmental effects and applied at rates and during times so that no significant contamination occurs below root zone;
Target Value:
Risk assessment for use of pesticide(s)scores a Low or Very Low rating; / Pesticide Screening Tool (NAPRA)
Windows Pesticide Screening Tool (WIN-PST);
pasture
a. soilresource quality criteria
resource concern
/definition
/indicator and target values
/assessment tools
A.3. Soil DepositionA.3.a. Onsite
Damage / Deposition is the eroded material that has been moved and re-deposited to another site within the same management unit. Need to rework ground because of sediment thickness and distribution; pasture plants destroyed; and deposited material is infertile, especially with coarse textured sediment. / Indicator:
Observation of pastures within management unit;
Pasture Condition Scoreusing Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Target Value:
Overall Pasture Condition Score is >40 and Individual Scorefor Erosion, Plant Cover, and Plant Vigor Indicators is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated;
No visual damage or impairment to pasture plants due to deposition is apparent; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
NEH Section3
"Sedimentation";
A.3.b. Offsite
Damage / Offsite damage occurs from sediment that originates within the management unit. Need to rework ground because of sediment thickness and distribution; pasture plants destroyed; and deposited material is infertile. Offsite effects are presently less than onsite because of increased distance from source problem. / Indicator:
Observation of agricultural production in fields outside of the management unit;
Target Value:
No visual damage or impairment to agricultural lands is apparent that is attributable to sediment originating within management unit; / Visual Observations;
Client Interview
NEH Section3
"Sedimentation";
A.3.c. Onsite
safety / Deposition on roads and railroads that cause an increased accident risk and potential loss of life, and limits access for emergency vehicles to sites within the management unit. / Indicator:
Observation of transportation corridors (including vehicle travel lanes) within management unit;
Pasture Condition Scoreusing Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Target Value:
Overall Pasture Condition Score is >40 and Individual Score for Erosion, Plant Cover, and Plant Vigor Indicators is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated;
No visual damage or impairment to transportation corridors, property, pasture plants, land, or water within the management unit is apparent; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
NEH Section3
"Sedimentation";
A.3.d. Offsite
safety / Deposition on roads and railroads away from the management unit that cause an increased accident risk and potential loss of life, and limits access for emergency vehicles. Offsite effects are presently less than onsite because of increased distance from source problem. / Indicator:
Observation of transportation corridors (roads or vehicle travel lanes outside of the management unit;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Erosion Indicators;
Target Value:
Pasture Condition Scorefor Erosion Indicators is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated;
No visual damage or impairment to property, transportation corridors, land, or water is apparent that is attributable to sediment originating within management unit; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
NEH Section3
"Sedimentation";
pasture
B. waterresource quality criteria
resource concern
/definition
/indicators and target values
/assessment tools
B.1. Water QuantityExcess Amounts -
B.1.a. Seeps
/ Subsurface water flows onto the surface of the land. / Indicator:Soil surface moisture conditions;
Evaluation of crop productivity;
Pasture Condition Score using Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Target Value:
Seeps are controlled to the extent that there is no reduction in desired forage production, trafficability or slope stability;
Pasture Condition Score for Percent Desirable Plants, Plant Cover, and Plant Vigor Indicators is 4 or higher for pasture evaluated; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview;
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
Soil Survey;
Excess Amounts -
B.1.b. Runoff/ Flooding
/ Excess runoff water accumulates on the surface and impacts the desired land use. Assessments based on 2-year, 24-hour, storm event to define excess runoff. / Indicator:Observation/evaluation of pasture plants and management unit infrastructure components (i.e., fence, irrigation system, etc.).
Pasture Condition Score using Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Target Value:
No observable damage to land, pasture productivity, or management unit infrastructure;
For those instances where the management of excess surface water is restricted due to lawful regulations such as those pertaining to wetlands and riparian areas, the quality criteria will be met if pertinent policy and laws are followed;
Pasture Condition Score for Percent Desirable Plants, Plant Cover, and Plant Vigor Indicators is 4 or higher for pasture evaluated; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview;
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
Floodplain Maps;
Soil Survey;
Flood Hazard Study;
NFH Chapter 2;
TR-55;
NOAA Atlas Maps;
Excess Amounts –
B.1.c. SubsurfaceWater / Subsurface water accumulates in the soil profile, which adversely affects plant growth and production operations. / Indicator:
Water table depth;
Evaluation of irrigation system and management using Farm Irrigation Rating Index (FIRS);
Evaluation of pasture productivity;
Pasture Condition Score using Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Target Value:
Water table depth in test wells is below crop root zone;
FIRS factors Md, S, I, M, and SCI 0.95;
FIRS factors Wc and Sd (sprinkler systems) or factors Ce and L (surface systems) show a minimum increase of 0.5;
Pasture Condition Score for Percent Desirable Plants, Plant Cover, and Plant Vigor Indicators is 4 or higher for pasture evaluated;
Pasture production comparable to expected yields for local area and field conditions; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview;
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
Forage Suitability Group descriptions;
NEH "Drainage"
NEH Part 652
Irrigation Guide Chapter 7 Section 652.0708;
Farm Irrigation Rating Index (FIRS);
DRAINMOD;
SWRRB;
SPAW;
SRFR;
BORDER;
pasture
B. waterresource quality criteria
resource concern
/definition
/indicators and target values
/assessment tools
B.1. Water QuantityB.1.d. Inadequate Outlets
/ Water conveyance channels and structures to collect and remove water from the land are unsuitable. / Indicator:Evaluation of conveyance capacity of irrigation and drainage systems and outlets;
Pasture Condition Scoreusing Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Target Value:
Water discharges are safely managed through stable outlets of adequate capacity and do not cause erosion, incised channels, unacceptable deposition loads, or excess ponding of water;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Percent Desirable Plants, Plant Cover, and Plant Vigor Indicators is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
NFH Chapter 2;
TR-55;
NOAA Atlas Maps;
B.1.e. Water
Management
for Irrigated
Land / Inefficient and/or untimely utilization of existing water supplies. / Indicator:
Pasture Condition Scoreusing Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Runoff from fields;
Large flows in drains;
Crop yields;
Energy costs;
Target Value:
The amount and frequency of application of irrigation water is suited to the needs of the desired plants within the field;
FIRS factors Md, S, I, M, and SCI 0.95;
FIRS factors Wc and Sd (sprinkler systems) or factors Ce and L (surface systems) show a minimum increase of 0.05;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Percent Desirable Plants, Plant Cover, and Plant Vigor Indicators is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview;
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
Pumping Records;
Farm Irrigation Rating System (FIRS) and Farm Irrigation Rating Index (FIRI);
Surface Irrigation Simulation Model (SRFR);
NEH Part 623 "Irrigation Water Requirements";
NEH Part 652 "Irrigation
Guide";
Restricted Capacity from Sediment Deposition in Small Water Conveyance
B.1.g.Onsite
B.1.h.Offsite / Onsite - On-farm water quantity that affects on-farm drainage ditches, roadside ditches, culverts, and canals. Offsite - Water quantity that affects drainage ditches, roadside ditches, culverts, and canals. Offsite practice effects are generally less than onsite because of increased distance. / Indicator:
Assessment of irrigation system design flows and capacities;
Evaluations of management unit and offsite water conveyance capacity losses;
Target Value:
Onsite and offsite water conveyances provide for design flow capacity and management unit does not contribute to an offsite problem; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview;
NEH-Chapter 5 "Hydraulics";
EFM Chapter 3 "Hydraulics";
EFM Chapter 6 "Structures";
Restricted Capacity from Sediment Deposition
B.1.i.Water Bodies,
Streams, Lakes / Water quantity that is affected because of loss of storage capacity as well as the loss of conveyance capacity. / Indicator:
Assessment of capacities and evaluation of loss of capacity;
Observation of sediment being delivered to receiving waters and determination of sediment source(s);
Target Value:
Loss of storage capacity does not exceed design or expected rates;
Sediment sources are identified and treatment prescribed; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
pasture
B. waterresource quality criteria
resource concern
/definition
/indicators and target values
/assessment tools
B.2. Ground Water Quality - ContaminantsB.2.a. Pesticides / Water pollution problems from pesticides. Pesticide means "all" chemicals used to manage weeds, insects, and diseases. Pesticides degrade beneficial uses of ground water for human consumption, livestock watering, or irrigation. / Indicator:
Pesticides selected for use minimize adverse environmental effects and are applied in forms, at rates, and during times so that no significant contamination occurs in runoff water;
Target Value:
Risk assessment for use of pesticide(s)scores a Low or Very Low rating; / Windows Pesticide Screening Tool (WIN-PST);
Soil Survey;
B.2.b. Nutrients
and Organics / Water pollution problems from natural or human-induced common nutrients of N, P K, Ca, Na, and Mg and from animal and other wastes. Application of commercial fertilizers and animal wastes degrade beneficial uses of groundwater for human consumption or livestock watering. / Indicator:
Expected pasture production level;
Current soil tests;
Kind (formulation), method of application, and amounts of commercial fertilizer applied;
Kind, nutrient content, method of application, and amounts of animal waste (manure) applied;
Determination of Phosphorus Index (PI)
Pasture Condition Scoreusing Guide to Pasture ConditionScoring;
Target Value:
Low PI rating;
Fertilizer applied according to soil test and plant needs to meet production objectives;
Animal wastes stored, applied, and disposed of according to pertinent local, state, and federal regulations so that ground water standards are not violated;
Animal waste applied according to soil test and plant needs to meet production objectives;
Nutrients or animal wastes are applied at rates, forms, and times so that no leachate containing excessive nutrients occurs below the root zone;
Livestock waste storage facilities are adequate to prevent significant loss from leaching and are appropriately sized to safely store waste through environmentally unsafe application periods.
Pasture Condition Scorefor Plant Vigor Indicator is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated; / Visual observation;
Client interview
NRCSNationalrange and Pasture Handbook;
Forage Suitability Group Descriptions;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring;
Pasture Condition Score Sheet;
Phosphorus Index (PI);
Leaching Index;
Nutrient Management Conservation Practice (Code 590) Specification and Practice Documentation Worksheet;
Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook;
Soil Survey;
B.2.c. Salinity / Salinity water pollution problems from common salts such as sodium, calcium, potassium, boron, and selenium. / Indicator:
Soil Electrical Conductivity (Ec) test;
Water Electrical Conductivity (Ec) test;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Plant Vigor Indicator;
Target Value:
Soil and irrigation water electrical conductivity within range of tolerance for desired forage plants in the pasture evaluated;
A leaching volume is calculated for the soil, crop, and water quality, and this volume is applied;
Pasture Condition Scorefor Plant Vigor Indicator is 4 or higher within the pasture evaluated;
Ec for potable water is 0.7dS/M;
Salts reaching the ground water aquifers or surface water bodies do not exceed local, state, or federal standards; / Visual Observation;
Client Interview
Technical references on pasture plant soil salinity/chemical element tolerance and uptake ability;
Forage Suitability Group Descriptions;
NRCS Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring and Score Sheet;
NEH Part 623, Chapter 2 subpart 623.0205 - "Leaching Requirements for Salinity Control";
pasture
B. waterresource quality criteria
resource concern