Conservation Planning Process
for CNMPs
CNMP Core Curriculum
Section 2 — Conservation Planning
CNMP Development
Core Training Curriculum
These course materials have been developed as a
cooperative effort between five land-grant universities
and The Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Copyright Information
Ames, Iowa 50011, (515) 294-4111.
Copyright © 1995-2006, Iowa State University
of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• Introduce the 9-step NRCS planning process
• Become familiar with NRCS requirements for
conservation planning related to CNMP
development and conservation practices.
Required Materials
• National Planning Procedures Handbook, Exhibit
1 – Sample Resource Checklist.
• National Statement of Work Template for a
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
(CNMP)
• National Statement of Work for Waste Storage
Facility (313)
• National Statement of Work for Nutrient
Management (590)
• Supplemental Materials
– National Planning Procedures Handbook.
http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/H/H_180_60
0.htm. Accessed 29 November 2005.
Conservation Planning Process
• Six Resources that is addressed by a
Resource Management System
–
–
–
–
–
–
Soil
Water
Air
Plants
Animals
Humans
Conservation Planning Process
• Quality Criteria for Soil Erosion
Resource
Concern
Description
of Concern
National
Quality Criteria
Soil
Erosion
– Sheet
and Rill
Detachment
and transport
of soil
particles
caused by
rainfall
splash and
runoff
degrade soil
quality.
Sheet and rill
erosion does
not exceed
the Soil Loss
Tolerance
“T”.
Measurement
Units
Tons/Acre/Ye
ar – average
annual tons
of erosion
reduced per
acre for the
field or
planning
area/unit
Assessment
Tools
Visual assessment
Erosion-bridge (OR
Ag TN 51);
Rangeland Soil
Quality Information
Sheet -- Water
Erosion
RUSLE II
WEPP
Soil Quality
Information Sheet Erosion
Conservation Planning Process
• Quality Criteria for Water Quality
Resource
Concern
Description
of Concern
National
Quality Criteria
Measurement
Units
Assessment
Tools
Water
Quality –
Excessive
Nutrients
and
Organics
in Surface
Water
Pollution from
natural or
human
induced
nutrients such
as N, P, and
S (including
animal and
other wastes)
degrades
surface water
quality.
Nutrients and
organics are
stored,
handled,
disposed of,
and managed
so that
surface water
uses are not
adversely
affected.
Non
Measurable
SVAP (Stream Visual Assessment
Protocol – USDA/NRCS)
National Engineering Handbook, Part
651, Ag. Waste Mgt. Field Handbook
Surface water chemical/particle
sampling and assay
Field application and management
Oregon Water Quality Decision Aid
Local Fertilizer Guides
Nitrogen Water Quality Screening Tool,
Phosphorous Index
Water Quality TN 1
Fertilizer Storage and Handling
Worksheet
– Livestock Manure Storage
Worksheet
– Livestock Yard Management
Worksheet
Biosolids
Conservation Planning
Process
Water
Quality
Working
Toward an
RMS
Conservation
Plan
Soil
Erosion
Soil
Water
Air
Plants
Animals
Humans
CNMP
RMS
Conservation Planning Process
Conservation Planning Process
Nine Steps of Conservation Planning:
1. Identify Problems
2. Determine Objectives
3. Inventory Resources
4. Analyze Resources
5. Formulate Alternatives
6. Evaluate Alternatives
7. Make Decisions
8. Implement Plan
9. Evaluate Plan
Conservation
Planning
Process
Phase I
Collection
and
Analysis
Phase II
Decision
Support
Phase III
Application
and
Evaluation
Conservation
Planning
Process
Step 1
Identify
Problems
Step 2
Determine
Objectives
Phase I
Collection
&
Analysis
Step 4
Analyze
Resources
Step 3
Inventory
Resources
Conservation Planning Process
1. Identify Problems
Conservation Planning Process
1. Identify Problems
• Client’s Perspective & Planner’s
Knowledge
– Consider Client’s Concerns
– Planner May Identify Other Problems,
Concerns and Opportunities
– On-Site Visit
– Document Resource Problems
Conservation Planning Process
1. Identify Problems
Resource Problem Checklist
Client:
Field:
A. Soil
1. Erosion
a. Sheet and Rill
b. Wind
c. Concentrated Flow
d. Classic Gullies
e. Streambank
f. Irrigation Induced
g. Soil Mass Movement
h. Roadbank, Scour Area
i. Other
Date:
Conservation Planning Process
1. Identify Problems
Resource Problems
Soil Erosion
Water Quality
Air Quality
Pest Management
Crop Yields
Labor
Quality Criteria
Soil Loss “T” Value
>10 ppm NO3No Complaints
>2% Yield Loss
Typical Productivity
Defined by Client
Conservation Planning Process
2. Determine Objectives
Conservation Planning Process
2. Determine Objectives
• Desired Future Condition
• Defined by the Client and the Planner
• Objectives are Documented:
– Written
– Specific
– Measurable
– Time Reference
Conservation Planning Process
2. Determine Objectives
• Three Objective Categories:
– Social
– Economic
– Environmental
Conservation Planning Process
2. Determine Objectives
Economic Objective
Make Farm More Profitable
Increase Crop Yields
Increase Value of Farm
Goals
This Year
5 Tons/Acre
Before Retirement
Target
$10,000 +
27 Ton/Acre
5%/Yr
Social Objective
Minimize Labor on Farm
County Can’t Blame Me
Son May Not Farm
Good Citizen
1 Full Time
Compliance
Environmental Objective
Reduce Soil Erosion
Protect Water Quality
Keep Soil in Place
Do The “Right” Thing
< 5 Tons/Acre
< 10 ppm
Nitrates
Conservation Planning Process
3. Inventory Resources
Conservation Planning Process
3. Inventory Resources
• General Inventory Methods
–
–
–
–
Procedural
Observation
Predictive
Deduction
• Initial Inventory Becomes Benchmark
• Documentation:
– Farm Environment/Operations
– Physical Resources
– Economic/Social Concerns
Conservation Planning Process
3. Inventory Resources
Soil
• Slope = 5%, L=400 feet on fields used to grow Corn Silage
• Refer to Soil Survey and Map for T values
Water
• Applying 200 Lbs Nitrogen per Acre on Corn Silage fields
• Nitrogen and Phosphorus a water quality concern in the watershed,
Estimate 12 ppm N in Groundwater
Air
• Odors from animal feeding operation are offensive to neighbors
Plants
• Continuous Corn for Silage, Typical Yields- 22 Tons/Acre
• Pest Damage Reduces Yields
Animal
• Occasional Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Use
Human
• Farm Labor May be Limited, Farm Machinery in Good Condition
Conservation
Planning
Process
3. Inventory
Resources
L=400 Ft.
S=5%
Crop
Pasture/Hay
Headquarters
Conservation
Planning
Process
3. Inventory
Resources
L=600 Ft.
S=5%
Conservation Planning Process
4. Analyze Resource Data
WEQ
FIRI
Conservation Planning Process
4. Analyze Resource Data
•
•
•
•
Define Resource Conditions & Limitations
Use Worksheets, Models & Other Tools
Compare Benchmark & Future Condition
Professional Judgment
Conservation Planning Process
4. Analyze Resource Data
Soil
• Soil Erosion from RUSLE2- A = 7 Tons/Acre/Year > T = 5 Tons/Acre/Year
– Erosion rates could be reduced by using a conservation cover and/or
using residue management.
Water
• Nitrate Leaching Estimated at 100 lbs/Acre/Yr.
– Nitrate leaching can be reduced to acceptable levels by practicing
proper nutrient management, waste utilization and irrigation water
management.
Air
• Odors from animal feeding operation are offensive to neighbors.
– Offensive odors can be reduced using tree and shrub plantings.
Plants
• Pest Damage Reduces Yields
– Pest damage can be reduced by practicing proper pest management
which will increase yields.
Conservation Planning Process
4. Analyze Resource Data
Animal
• Occasional Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Use
– Adequate habitat exists to support waterfowl migrations and
upland game but could be improved by using wildlife habitat
plantings.
Human
• Farm Labor May be Limited, Farm Machinery in Good Condition
– Labor inputs can be reduced through better management.
Conservation
Planning
Process
Step 6
Evaluate
Alternatives
Step 5
Formulate
Alternatives
Phase II
Decision
Support
Step 7
Make
Decisions
Conservation Planning Process
5. Formulate Alternatives
• Alternatives Achieve Client’s Objectives
• Address All Resource SWAPA+H Problems
• Develop Several Alternatives:
High Cost/Low Management Inputs
Moderate Cost/Moderate Management Inputs
Low Cost/High Management Inputs
• Alternatives Developed with Input from the
Client
Conservation
Planning
Process
5. Formulate
Alternatives
W
i
n
d
b
Other Practices
r Conservation
Cover
e
Irrigation Water Management
a
Conservation
Nutrient Management
k
Cover
/
Pest Management
S
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
h
e
Waste Utilization
l
t
e
r
b
e
l
t
E
s
t
a
b
l
i
s
h
m
e
Conservation Planning Process
5. Formulate Alternatives
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CROPLAND- ALTERNATIVE 1
RESOURCE CONCERNS
CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Soil Erosion, Sheet & Rill
Access Road - 560
Water Quantity, Water Management for Irrigated Land
Conservation Cover - 327
Water Quality, Groundwater; Nutrients and Organics
Irrigation Pipeline, High Press Underground
Plastic – 430DD
Water Quality, Surface Water; Nutrients and Organics
Irrigation System, Sprinkler - 442
Water Quality, Surface Water; Suspended Sediments
and Turbidity
Irrigation Water Management - 449
Air Quality, Undesirable Odors from Agricultural Sources
Manure Transfer - 634
Plant Management, Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management - 590
Plant Management, Pests
Pest Management - 595
Animal Habitat, Wildlife Food
Pumping Plant for Water Control - 533
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management - 645
Waste Utilization – 633
Water Well – 642
Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment - 380
Conservation Planning Process
5. Formulate Alternatives
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CROPLAND- ALTERNATIVE 2
RESOURCE CONCERNS
CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Soil Erosion, Sheet & Rill
Access Road - 560
Water Quantity, Water Management for Irrigated Land
Conservation Cover - 327
Water Quality, Groundwater; Nutrients and Organics
Irrigation Pipeline, High Press Underground
Plastic – 430DD
Water Quality, Surface Water; Nutrients and Organics
Irrigation System, Sprinkler - 442
Water Quality, Surface Water; Suspended Sediments
and Turbidity
Irrigation Water Management - 449
Air Quality, Undesirable Odors from Agricultural Sources
Manure Transfer - 634
Plant Management, Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management - 590
Plant Management, Pests
Pest Management - 595
Animal Habitat, Wildlife Food
Pumping Plant for Water Control - 533
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management - 645
Waste Utilization - 633
Water Well - 642
Windbreak/Shelterbelt
Establishment - 380
Conservation Planning Process
5. Formulate Alternatives
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CROPLAND- ALTERNATIVE 3
RESOURCE CONCERNS
CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Soil Erosion, Sheet & Rill
Access Road - 560
Water Quantity, Water Management for Irrigated Land
Conservation Cover - 327
Water Quality, Groundwater; Nutrients and Organics
Irrigation Pipeline, High Press Underground Plastic
– 430DD
Water Quality, Surface Water; Nutrients and Organics
Irrigation System, Sprinkler - 442
Water Quality, Surface Water; Suspended Sediments and
Turbidity
Irrigation Water Management - 449
Air Quality, Undesirable Odors from Agricultural Sources
Manure Transfer - 634
Plant Management, Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management - 590
Plant Management, Pests
Pest Management - 595
Animal Habitat, Wildlife Food
Pumping Plant for Water Control - 533
Residue Management , No Till/Strip Till – 329A
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management - 645
Waste Utilization - 633
Water Well - 642
Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment - 380
Conservation Planning Process
6. Evaluate Alternatives
Conservation Effects for Decision Making
– Compare “Benchmark” to “Future Condition”
Effects
– Estimate Change in Effects
– Evaluate Impacts as Positive or Negative
Effects on Resource Problems
– Social, Economic, Environmental
Conservation Planning Process
6. Evaluate Alternatives
Alternative #1 for Crop Land Use
Conservation Practices
Conservation Cover
Upland Wildlife Management
Pest Management
Nutrient Management
Waste Utilization
Irrigation Water Management
Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment
Positive Impacts
Reduce Soil Erosion 4 T/Ac/Yr
Increased Crop Yields 5 T/Ac/Yr
Reduced Odor Complaints
Improve Water Quality
Improve Wildlife Habitat
Negative Impacts
Labor 1/4 Hr/Ac/Yr
Costs $25/Ac/Yr
High Installation Cost
Conservation Planning Process
6. Evaluate Alternatives
Alternative #2 for Crop Land Use
Conservation Practices
Conservation Cover
Nutrient Management
Pest Management
Irrigation Water Management
Waste Utilization
Positive Impacts
Reduce Soil Erosion 4 T/Ac/Yr
Increased Crop Yields 5 T/Ac/Yr
Reduce Odor Complaints
Improve Water Quality
Negative Impacts
Labor 1/2 Hr/Ac/Yr
Costs $15/Ac/Yr
Moderate Installation Cost
Conservation Planning Process
6. Evaluate Alternatives
Alternative #3 for Crop Land Use
Conservation Practices
Residue Management, No Till/Strip Till
Waste Utilization
Nutrient Management
Irrigation Water Management
Positive Impacts
Reduce Soil Erosion 2 T/Ac/Yr
Reduce Odor Complaints
Improve Water Quality
Low Installation Cost
Negative Impacts
Labor 3/4 Hr/Ac/Yr
Costs $5/Ac/Yr
Reduced Crop Yields
Conservation
Planning
Process
6. Evaluate
Alternatives
Pasture/Hay
Headquarters
Conservation Planning Process
7. Make Decisions
Conservation Planning Process
7. Make Decisions
• The Planner Provides Information
– Alternative Conservation Management
Systems
• The Client Makes an Informed Decision
• The Decision is Documented
– Conservation Plan (CNMP)
Conservation
Planning
Process
Step 8
Implement
Plan
Phase III
Apply
&
Evaluate
Step 9
Evaluate
Plan
Conservation Planning Process
8. Implement Plan
Conservation Planning Process
8. Implement Plan
• The Client Implements the Plan
• Planner and Technical Specialists Provide
Technical Assistance to Implement
Practices Identified in the Plan
–
–
–
–
–
Surveys
Final Designs
Job Sheets, Drawings & Specifications
Inspections
Operation & Maintenance
Conservation Planning Process
9. Evaluate Plan
Conservation Planning Process
9. Evaluate Plan
• Client & Planner Evaluate Plan
–
–
–
–
Are Practices Functioning as Intended?
Is the Plan Meeting Objectives?
Are Plan Modifications Needed?
Is Additional Maintenance Needed?
• Planning is an Ongoing Process
Conservation Planning Process
NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook
NPPH Contains Guidance
for Conservation Planning
• Part 600 contains CNMP
Technical Guidance.
• Exhibit 15 explains the
required format and
content of a CNMP.
Conservation Planning Process
Statement of Work for CNMP
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/references/
Conservation Planning Process
Statements of Work for Conservation Practices
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Standards/nhcp.html
Conservation Planning Process
Questions?