U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpca0

System Template Name: Irr. Crop Benchmark (Portales)

Planning Phase: BENCHMARKPlanning Level: N/ANRCSLand Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The setting is in the southern high plains. Soils range from loams to fine sands on slopes from 1 to 10%. Rainfall averages 16" with about half occurring during the summer months. The major concerns for farmers are wind erosion and the declining water table. The major crops grown are peanuts, corn, grain sorghum, wheat, and alfalfa. Farms are medium sized family owned units.

------Practices------

44200NIRRIGATION SYSTEM, SPRINKLER

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Airborne Sediment and Smoke Particulate, offsite health

Effect Value / Impact Value
Health costs, respiratory related problems

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Farm/Ranch Financial Condition

Effect Value / Impact Value
Low profits - low operating margins.

PLANTS CONDITION, Plant Damage from Wind Erosion

Effect Value / Impact Value
Seedling destruction 40%.

PLANTS MANAGEMENT, Nutrient Management

Effect Value / Impact Value
Inefficient nutrient application-low production.

PLANTS MANAGEMENT, Plant Pests

Effect Value / Impact Value
Weeds and insects are problems.

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Poor tilth and low organic matter.

WATER QUANTITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Declining water table.

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method 15.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

WATER QUANTITY, Irrigation Water Management, system efficiency 60.0 Percent

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index 0.30 HIS

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpca1

System Template Name: Irr. Crop Opt. 1 (Portales)

Planning Phase: NON-BENCHMARKPlanning Level: RMSNRCSLand Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

A combination of mechanical and vegetative practices, when implemented, work together to meet identified treatment levels on soil, water, air, plant, animal, and human resources. This system meets all resource concerns.

------Practices------

328s01CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

344s01RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL

442s01IRRIGATION SYSTEM, SPRINKLER

449s01IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

587s01STRUCTURE FOR WATER CONTROL

590s01NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

595s01PEST MANAGEMENT

645s01UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Airborne Sediment&Smoke Particulate, offsite health

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased ground cover-Improved residue management / Moderate Improvement

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Farm/Ranch Financial Condition

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved operations and stability / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS CONDITION, Plant Damage from Wind Erosion

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced damage using improved residue management techniques. / Moderate Reduction

PLANTS MANAGEMENT, Nutrient Management

Effect Value / Impact Value
More efficient nutrient application / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS MANAGEMENT, Plant Pests

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced plant pests through improved management. / Moderate Reduction

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpca1

------Text Effects------

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved root development-higher production. / Moderate Improvement

WATER QUANTITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced rate of water depletion by using high efficiency low energy precision application (LEPA) systems. / Moderate Improvement

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method5.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

WATER QUANTITY, Irrigation Water Management, system efficiency90.0 Percent

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.50 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpca2

System Template Name: Irr. Crop. Opt. 2 (Portales)

Planning Phase: NON-BENCHMARKPlanning Level: RMSNRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The implementation of the above practices will treat resource concerns identified in the benchmark conditions to an acceptable level that will conserve resources and rural lifestyles.

------Practices------

328s01CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

329s01CONSERVATION TILLAGE

411s01GRASSES LEGUMES IN ROTATION

442s01IRRIGATION SYSTEM, SPRINKLER

449s01IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

587s01STRUCTURE FOR WATER CONTROL

590s01NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

595s01PEST MANAGEMENT

645s01UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Airborne Sediment&Smoke Particulate, offsite health

Effect Value / Impact Value
Moderate Improvement

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Farm/Ranch Financial Condition

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved operations and stability. / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS CONDITION, Plant Damage from Wind Erosion

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced plant damage with better management. / Moderate Reduction

PLANTS MANAGEMENT, Nutrient Management

Effect Value / Impact Value
More efficient nutrient application. / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS MANAGEMENT, Plant Pests

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved management, reduced pest. / Moderate Reduction

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpca2

------Text Effects------

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Higher organic matter. / Moderate Improvement

WATER QUANTITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced depletion rate. / Moderate Improvement

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method5.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

WATER QUANTITY, Irrigation Water Management, system efficiency90.0 Percent

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.60 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcb0

System Template Name: Dry Crop Benchmark (Clovis)

Planning Phase: BENCHMARKPlanning Level: N/ANRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The setting is southern high plains. Topography is gently sloping, ranging from 0-5%. Surface textures range from loams to loamy fine sands. Rainfall averages 17 inches with half occurring during summer months. The major environmental concern is soil erosion. Major crops grown are wheat and milo. Livestock are an important enterprise, grazing wheat and stalks in the winter. These are medium size farms.

------Practices------

32800NCONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Airborne particulates during spring months.

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Food

Effect Value / Impact Value
Insufficient food and cover during nesting season for dove, quail, and pheasant.

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Quantity &Quality of Drinking Water

Effect Value / Impact Value
Insufficient food and cover during nesting season for dove, quail, and pheasant.

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Low economic returns.

PLANTS CONDITION, Plant Damage from Wind Erosion

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced cover causing plant damage and low production.

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcb0

------Text Effects------

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Poor tilth, soil crusting, poor infiltration, low organic matter.

WATER QUANTITY, Excess Amounts, runoff/flooding

Effect Value / Impact Value
Severe water erosion during high intensity thunderstorms.

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method15.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

SOIL EROSION, Ephemeral Gully-Concentrated Flow, soil loss10.0 Tons/Year

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.45 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcb1

System Template Name: Dry Crop Opt. 1 (Clovis)

Planning Phase: NON-BENCHMARKPlanning Level: RMSNRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The practices selected for this RMS, both vegetative and structural, will adequately address the resource concern.

------Practices------

328s01CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

329B00NRESIDUE MANAGEMENT, MULCH TILL

330s01CONTOUR FARMING

344s01RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL

362s01DIVERSION

412s01GRASSED WATERWAY

590s01NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

600s01TERRACE

645s01UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced airborne particulates during spring months. / Moderate Improvement

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Food

Effect Value / Impact Value
Food provided during nesting season. / Moderate Improvement

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Quantity &Quality of Drinking Water

Effect Value / Impact Value
Wildlife water provided during nesting periods. / Moderate Increase

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased production. / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS CONDITION, Plant Damage from Wind Erosion

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased cover and productivity. / Moderate Reduction

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcb1

------Text Effects------

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased residue production and improved residue management. / Moderate Improvement

WATER QUANTITY, Excess Amounts, runoff/flooding

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced severe water erosion during high intensity storms. / Moderate Reduction

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method5.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

SOIL EROSION, Ephemeral Gully-Concentrated Flow, soil loss2.0 Tons/Year

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.55 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcb2

System Template Name: Dry Crop Opt. 2 (Clovis)

Planning Phase: NON-BENCHMARKPlanning Level: RMSNRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

Applied management practices will ensure continued cropland production and sustainability. These practices will adequately address the resource concerns.

------Practices------

328s01CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

329s01CONSERVATION TILLAGE

344s01RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL

645s01UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced airborne sediments during spring months. / Moderate Improvement

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Food

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased food during nesting season. / Moderate Improvement

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Quantity &Quality of Drinking Water

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased cover for wildlife. / Moderate Increase

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased production / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS CONDITION, Plant Damage from Wind Erosion

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased cover and productivity. / Moderate Reduction

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Residue Management Improved. / Moderate Improvement

WATER QUANTITY, Excess Amounts, runoff/flooding

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved residue management, and increased infiltration. / Moderate Reduction

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcb2

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method5.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

SOIL EROSION, Ephemeral Gully-Concentrated Flow, soil loss2.0 Tons/Year

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.50 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcc0

System Template Name: Irr. Crop Benchmark (Clovis)

Planning Phase: BENCHMARKPlanning Level: N/ANRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The setting is in the Southern High Plains. Topography is gently sloping with slopes ranging from 0-5%. Surface textures range from loams to loamy fine sands. Rainfall averages 17 inches with half occurring during summer months. The major concerns are declining water table and soil erosion. The major crops grown are corn, milo and wheat. Livestock is an important enterprise, grazing wheat and stalks in the winter. These are medium size family farms.

------Practices------

32800NCONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Airborne sediment during spring months Particulates travel on and off site occasionally causing damage to crops and personal property. Has potential for health concerns.

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Insufficient food and cover during nesting season for dove, quail, and pheasant.

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Low profits.

PLANTS CONDITION, Plants Health & Vigor

Effect Value / Impact Value
Low plant vigor. Insufficient water availability for existing crop rotations

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Poor tilth, soil crusting, poor infiltration, low organic matter.

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcc0

------Text Effects------

WATER QUALITY, Groundwater Contaminants, nutrients and organics

Effect Value / Impact Value
High potential of contamination into ground water through siphoning of chemicals into irrigation wells.

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method15.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

WATER QUANTITY, Irrigation Water Management, system efficiency55.0 Percent

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.45 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcc1

System Template Name: Irrigated Crop Opt.1 (Clovis)

Planning Phase: NON-BENCHMARKPlanning Level: RMSNRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The practices selected for this RMS, both vegetative and structural, will adequately address the resource concerns.

------Practices------

328s01CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

329B00NRESIDUE MANAGEMENT, MULCH TILL

344s01RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL

430DDs01IRRIGATION WATER CONVEYANCE, PIPELINE, HIGH-PRESSURE,

UNDERGROUND, PLASTIC

442s01IRRIGATION SYSTEM, SPRINKLER

449s01IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

587s01STRUCTURE FOR WATER CONTROL

590s01NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

595s01PEST MANAGEMENT

645s01UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved air quality. / Moderate Improvement

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved habitat management. / Moderate Increase

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased production. / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS CONDITION, Plants Health & Vigor

Effect Value / Impact Value
Proper moisture and nutrient application improve plant health and vigor. / Moderate Increase

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Less tillage. / Moderate Improvement

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcc1

------Text Effects------

WATER QUALITY, Groundwater Contaminants, nutrients and organics

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced potential of contamination into ground water by using backflow prevention devices and irrigation water management. / Slight Reduction

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method5.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

WATER QUANTITY, Irrigation Water Management, system efficiency80.0 Percent

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.55 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcc2

System Template Name: Irrigated Crop Opt. 2 (Clovis)

Planning Phase: NON-BENCHMARKPlanning Level: RMSNRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

Management practices will improve irrigated cropland productivity. Management practices, such as conservation Crop Rotation, Residue Management-Mulch Till and Seasonal will improve soil condition and reduce soil erosion. Irrigation water system and management will provide adequate moisture to the crop, yet protect the aquifer. Pest and nutrient management will ensure protection to the crop as well as the environment. These practices, when implemented will adequately address the resource concerns.

------Practices------

328s01CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

329B00NRESIDUE MANAGEMENT, MULCH TILL

344s01RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL

430EE s01IRRIGATION WATER CONVEYANCE, PIPELINE, LOW-PRESSURE,

UNDERGROUND, PLASTIC

443s01IRRIGATION SYSTEM, SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE

449s01IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

590s01NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

595s01PEST MANAGEMENT

645s01UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Particulates controlled through improved residue management. / Moderate Improvement

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Improved habitat management. / Moderate Increase

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Increased production. / Moderate Improvement

PLANTS CONDITION, Plants Health & Vigor

Effect Value / Impact Value
Proper moisture and chemical application. / Moderate Increase

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcc2

------Text Effects------

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Less tillage. / Moderate Improvement

WATER QUALITY, Groundwater Contaminants, nutrients and organics

Effect Value / Impact Value
Reduced potential of contamination by applying irrigation water management. / Slight Reduction

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method5.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

WATER QUANTITY, Irrigation Water Management, system efficiency60.0 Percent

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.55 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcd0

System Template Name: Irr. Crop Benchmark (Clovis)

Planning Phase: BENCHMARKPlanning Level: N/ANRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The setting is in the Southern High Plains. Topography is gently sloping with slopes ranging from 0-5%. Surface textures range from loams to amy fine sands. Rainfall averages 17 inches with about half occurring during summer months. The major concerns are declining water table and soil erosion. The major crops grown are corn, milo and wheat. Livestock is an important enterprise, grazing wheat and stalks in the winter. These are medium size family farms.

------Practices------

32800NCONSERVATION CROP ROTATION

------Text Effects------

AIR QUALITY, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Airborne sediment during spring months.

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Insufficient food and cover during nesting season for dove, quail, and pheasant.

HUMAN ECONOMICS, Other

Effect Value / Impact Value
Low profits.

PLANTS CONDITION, Plants Health & Vigor

Effect Value / Impact Value
Low plant vigor. Insufficient water available for existing crop rotations.

SOIL CONDITION, Tilth, Crusting, Infiltration, Organic

Effect Value / Impact Value
Poor tilth, soil crusting, poor infiltration, low organic matter.

WATER QUALITY, Groundwater Contaminants, nutrients and organics

Effect Value / Impact Value
High potential of contamination into ground water through siphoning of chemicals into irrigation wells.

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcd0

------Numeric Effects------

SOIL EROSION, Wind, WEQ Management Period Method15.0 Tons/Ac/Yr

WATER QUANTITY, Irrigation Water Management, system efficiency65.0 Percent

ANIMALS (WILDLIFE) HABITAT, Wildlife Habitat Suitability Index0.40 HSI

Management System Templates

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System Template Label: hpcd1

System Template Name: Irrigated Crop Opt.1 (Clovis)

Planning Phase: NON-BENCHMARKPlanning Level: RMSNRCS Land Use: Crop

System Narrative Template:

The practices for this RMS, both vegetative and structural, will adequately address the resource concerns.

------Practices------

328s01CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION