Read "PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA" at NAP.edu

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

Appendix E

PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices

Tables E-1 through E-9 contain the resource types affected by the implementation of the practice, the specific resource concerns that the practice addresses, the effect of the practice on each concern, and the rationale for its use for nine conservation practices described in Chapter 3. The information in the tables can be found in the Conservation Practice Physical Effects spreadsheet for fiscal year 2025 at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/conservation-practice-physical-effects.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

TABLE E-1 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Cover Crop Practice Standard 340

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Aggregate Instability	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Live plant roots increase aggregation physically and through exudates.
Soil	Compaction	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Increased biomass and roots improve aggregation, which gives better resistance to compaction.
Soil	Organic Matter Depletion	Slight to Moderate Improvement	More biomass produced will increase organic matter.
Soil	Sheet and Rill Erosion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Increased cover during erosive periods will reduce soil detachment by water.
Soil	Wind Erosion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Increased cover during erosive periods will reduce soil detachment by wind.
Soil	Ephemeral Gully Erosion	Moderate Improvement	Increased cover during erosive periods will reduce concentrated flow and associated soil detachment.
Water	Sediment Transported to Surface Water	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Vegetation will reduce erosion and transport of sediment.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

TABLE E-2 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Nutrient Management Practice Standard 590

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Organic Matter Depletion	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Use of organic nutrient sources and fertilizers will improve soil organic matter.
Water	Nutrients Transported to Surface Water	Substantial Improvement	Right amount, source, placement, and timing (4Rs) provides nutrients when plants need them most.
Water	Nutrients Transported to Groundwater	Substantial Improvement	Right amount, source, placement, and timing (4Rs) provides nutrients when plants need them most.
Water	Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Biosolids, or Compost Applications Transported to Surface Water	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Proper application of manure, compost, and biosolids should reduce or eliminate pathogens and/or chemicals (if present in source material) from moving into surface water.
Water	Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Biosolids, or Compost Applications Transported to Groundwater	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Proper application of manure, compost, and biosolids should reduce or eliminate pathogens and/or chemicals (if present in source material) from moving into ground water.
Air	Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors	Slight to Moderate Improvement	The proper application of nutrients will reduce emissions of particulate matter and ammonia.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

TABLE E-3 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Pasture and Hay Planting Practice Standard 512

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Sheet and Rill Erosion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Establishment of adapted species increases vegetative cover and reduces erosion potential. During the establishment period, there may be a slight to moderate risk of erosion, depending on seedbed preparation, seeding method, and species planted.
Soil	Wind Erosion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Establishment of adapted species increases vegetative cover and reduces erosion potential. During the establishment period, there may be a slight to moderate risk of erosion, depending on seedbed preparation, seeding method, and species planted.
Soil	Ephemeral Gully Erosion	Moderate Improvement	Establishment of adapted species increases vegetative cover and reduces erosion potential. During the establishment period, there may be a slight to moderate risk of erosion, depending on seedbed preparation, seeding method, and species planted.
Soil	Compaction	Slight to Moderate Improvement	There will be enhanced biomass production, root development, litter accumulation, increased biological activity, and/or reduced tillage if associated with change in land use.
Soil	Organic Matter Depletion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	There will be enhanced biomass production, root development, litter accumulation, increased biological activity, and/or reduced tillage if associated with change in land use.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Aggregate Instability	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Perennial living plants and roots provide habitat and food for soil organisms.
Air	Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors	Moderate Improvement	Establishing permanent vegetation reduces the potential for generation of particulates by wind erosion.
Animal	Terrestrial Habitat for Wildlife and Invertebrates	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Plant species are selected that are well-adapted and compatible to the site providing habitat for terrestrial wildlife and invertebrates.

TABLE E-4 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Grazing Management Practice Standard 528

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Sheet and Rill Erosion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Improving the health and vigor of plant communities will maintain and increase vegetative cover and decrease erosion by water.
Soil	Wind Erosion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Improving the health and vigor of plant communities will increase vegetative cover and decrease erosion by wind.
Soil	Ephemeral Gully Erosion	Moderate Improvement	Improving the vigor of plant communities will speed vegetative recovery when episodic storms cause erosion.
Soil	Compaction	Moderate Improvement	Soil bulk density decreases on long-term basis because of an increase in vegetative cover, deeper root systems, and increased soil organic material. There may be a moderate increase in bulk density in the short term on intensively managed grazing systems.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Organic Matter Depletion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	There will be an increase in vegetative cover, deeper root systems, increased soil organic material and biological activity, and improved nutrient cycling.
Soil	Concentration of Salts or other Chemicals	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Bare ground is covered by increased litter and plant bases. Cover reduces evaporative salt accumulation.
Soil	Aggregate Instability	Moderate Improvement	Improving the health and vigor of plant communities by moving animals will increase vegetative cover, organic matter, and soil biology improving aggregate stability.
Water	Ponding and Flooding	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Runoff will be reduced and infiltration increased due to improved vegetative cover, soil health.
Water	Sediment Transported to Surface Water	Moderate Improvement	Management will result in increased plant vigor and cover, decreasing sediment yields.
Air	Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors	Moderate Improvement	Improved vegetative cover reduces the generation of particulates.
Animal	Terrestrial Habitat for Wildlife and Invertebrates	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Improve or maintain quantity and quality of forage for grazing and browsing animals’ health and productivity, while improving or maintaining the quantity and quality of food and/or cover available for wildlife.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

TABLE E-5 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Soil Carbon Amendment Practice Standard 336

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Organic Matter Depletion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Carbon-based amendments are added to the soil, improving organic matter depletion. Amount and placement are controlling factors along with tillage and crop rotation.
Soil	Aggregate Instability	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Carbon-based amendments improve soil structure. Amount and placement are controlling factors along with tillage and crop rotation.
Water	Sediment Transported to Surface Water	Slight Improvement	Carbon-based amendments improve soil physical, chemical, and biological functions, improving plant establishment and decreasing sediment transport.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

TABLE E-6 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Tree and Shrub Establishment Practice Standard 612

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Sheet and Rill Erosion	Substantial Improvement	Vegetation and surface litter reduces erosive water energy.
Soil	Wind Erosion	Substantial Improvement	Tall vegetation creates a wind shadow, reduces erosive wind velocities and provides a stable area, which stops saltating particles.
Soil	Ephemeral Gully Erosion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Vegetation, surface litter, and roots reduce erosive energy of concentrated flows.
Soil	Compaction	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Root penetration and organic matter help restore soil structure.
Soil	Organic Matter Depletion	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Establishment of permanent woody vegetation can lead to increased root and shoot development. Decomposition increases soil organic matter.
Soil	Aggregate Instability	Substantial Improvement	Roots of trees and forages physically hold soils; organic matter inputs improve soil stability.
Water	Sediment Transported to Surface Water	Moderate Improvement	Vegetation provides cover, reduces wind velocities, and increases infiltration.
Animal	Terrestrial Habitat for Wildlife and Invertebrates	Substantial Improvement	Plants may be chosen and managed to enhance food value and provide cover and shelter for desired wildlife species.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

TABLE E-7 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Upland Wildlife Habitat Management Practice Standard 645

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Sheet and Rill Erosion	Moderate Improvement	Establishment of permanent vegetation reduces erosion by water.
Soil	Wind Erosion	Moderate Improvement	Establishment of permanent vegetation reduces erosion by wind.
Soil	Ephemeral Gully Erosion	Moderate Improvement	Establishment of permanent vegetation reduces erosion by water.
Water	Sediment Transported to Surface Water	Slight to Moderate Improvement	There will be improved vegetative cover with a reduction of runoff and sedimentation.
Air	Emissions of Particulate Matter (PM) and PM Precursors	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Vegetative cover reduces wind erosion and fugitive dust generation.
Animal	Terrestrial Habitat for Wildlife and Invertebrates	Substantial Improvement	Not applicable.

TABLE E-8 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Water and Sediment Control Basin Practice Standard 638

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Ephemeral Gully Erosion	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Controlled flow will reduce gulley erosion down slope of basin.
Water	Ponding and Flooding	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Basin will collect storm flows and directly reduce, manage runoff. Slight potential to cause undesirable ponding through incorrect design or application.
Water	Sediment Transported to Surface Water	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	Basin retains sediment and minimizes turbidity.
Animal	Terrestrial Habitat for Wildlife and Invertebrates	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Surface runoff retained will provide temporary water to wildlife as sediment is trapped, improving water quality in watershed.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

TABLE E-9 PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Using Watering Facility Practice Standard 614

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Soil	Sheet and Rill Erosion	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Increased vegetated cover due to better distribution of water reduces soil erosion.
Soil	Wind Erosion	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Increased vegetated cover due to better distribution of water reduces soil erosion.
Soil	Ephemeral Gully Erosion	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Increased vegetated cover due to better distribution of water reduces soil erosion.
Soil	Classic Gully Erosion	Slight Improvement	Increased grass cover due to better distribution of water will retard flows, decreasing opportunity for classic erosion.
Water	Nutrients Transported to Surface Water	Moderate to Substantial Improvement	When used in place of an in-stream water source, this action decreases manure deposition in stream.
Water	Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Biosolids, or Compost Applications Transported to Surface Water	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Improved vegetation due to better distribution of animals will filter and reduce water-borne contaminants. In addition, better distribution of animals results in less concentration of contaminants.
Water	Pathogens and Chemicals from Manure, Biosolids, or Compost Applications Transported to Groundwater	Slight Improvement	The action tends to concentrate animals; however, getting animals out of the stream will keep them cleaner and reduce contact with manure-borne pathogens.
Water	Sediment Transported to Surface Water	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Water development will decrease livestock trampling in wet areas and nearby streams.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

Resource	Resource Concern	Effect	Rationale
Water	Petroleum, Heavy Metals, and Other Pollutants Transported to Surface Water	Slight Improvement	Improved vegetation due to better distribution of water will filter and reduce water-borne contaminants. In addition, better distribution of animals results in less concentration of contaminants.
Animal	Inadequate Livestock Water Quantity, Quality, and Distribution	Substantial Improvement	Facilities supply water at remote locations.
Animal	Terrestrial Habitat for Wildlife and Invertebrates	Slight to Moderate Improvement	Provides dependable water supply to livestock and wildlife in areas where surface water is scarce.

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Suggested Citation: "Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/29272.

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PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA (2026)

Chapter: Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices

Appendix E

PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices

My Academies

PFAS in Agricultural Systems: Guidance for Conservation Programs at USDA (2026)

Chapter: Appendix E: PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices

Appendix E PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices

Appendix E

PFAS-Relevant Resource Concerns, Effects, and Rationale for Nine Conservation Practices