What is a Resource Concern?
A Resource Concern is defined as an expected degradation of the soil, water, air, plant, or animal resource base to an extent the sustainability or intended use of the resource is impaired. Because NRCS quantifies or describes resource concerns as part of a comprehensive conservation planning process that includes client objectives, human and energy resources are considered components of the resource base.
Explore The Different Resources:
Learn About The Concerns:
Soil Erosion
- Classic or Ephemeral Gully Erosion
- Sheet and Rill Erosion
- Streambank or Shoreline Erosion
- Wind Erosion
Soil Quality Degradation
- Compaction
- Concentration of Salts or Other Chemicals
- Organic Matter Depletion
Water Quantity
- Runoff, Flooding, or Ponding
- Seasonal High Water Table
- Seeps
- Inefficient Use of Irrigation Water
Water Quality
- Elevated Water Temperature
- Excess Chemicals, Manure, or Bio-Solids in Ground or Surface Water
- Excess Sediment in Surface Water
- Nutrients in Ground or Surface Water
- Pesticides in Ground or Surface Water
- Salts in Ground or Surface Water
Degraded Plant Condition
- Excessive Plant Pressure
- Inadequate Structure and Composition
- Undesirable Plant Health and Productivity
- Wildfire Hazard, Excessive Biomass Accumulation
Inefficient Energy Use
- Equipment and Facilities
- Farming/Ranching Practices and Field Operations
Inadequate Habitat for Fish and Wildlife
- Habitat Degradation
Livestock Production Limitation
- Feed and Forage Imbalance
- Inadequate Livestock Shelter
- Inaddquate Livestock Water Quantity, Quality, and Distribution
Air Quality Impacts
- Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
- Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors
- Objectionable Odors
Learn about the benefits of conservation practices directly from the farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners applying them.
Check out the latest 90-second video series featuring conservation practices developed by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Help your conservation district identify what natural resource concerns should be a local priority.
