550 - 1
NRCS, Utah
April 2007
Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically, and updated if needed. To obtain the
current version of this standard, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD
RANGE PLANTING
(Ac.)
CODE 550
DEFINITION
Establishment of adapted perennial vegetation
such as grasses, forbs, legumes, shrubs and trees.
PURPOSE
•
Restore a plant community similar to its
historic climax or the desired plant community.
•
Provide or improve forages for livestock.
•
Provide or improve forage, browse or cover for
wildlife.
•
Reduce erosion by wind and/or water.
•
Improve water quality and quantity.
•
Increase carbon sequestration
CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES
On rangeland, grazed forest or other suitable
location where the principle method of vegetation
management will be with herbivores. This practice
shall be applied where desirable vegetation is
below the acceptable level for natural reseeding to
occur, or where the potential for enhancement of
the vegetation by grazing management is
unsatisfactory.
CRITERIA
General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes
Specified seeding/plant material rates, methods of
planting, date of planting and/or species selection
shall be consistent with documented guidance
cited by Plant Materials Program, research
institutions or agency demonstration trials for
achieving satisfactory establishment.
Species, cultivars or varieties selected, must be
compatible with management objectives and
adapted to climate conditions, soils, landscape
position, (e.g., aspect) and range site(s).
Species, cultivars or varieties selected shall
provide adequate cover to control erosion by wind
and/or water within an acceptable period of time.
Seedbed preparation and planting methods will be
suitable to meet any special needs for obtaining an
acceptable establishment of planted materials.
Planting depths, dates, seeding rates, soil
amendments and fertil