(a) Eligible practices are those CRP practices specified in the conservation plan that meet all standards needed to cost-effectively:

(1) Establish permanent vegetative or water cover, including introduced or native species of grasses and legumes, trees, permanent wildlife habitat, and grassland improvements;

(2) Meet other environmental benefits, as applicable, for the CRP contract period; and

(3) Accomplish other purposes of CRP.

(b) Water cover is eligible cover for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section only if approved by CCC for purposes such as the enhancement of wildlife or the improvement of water quality. Such water cover will not include ponds for the purpose of watering livestock, irrigating crops, or raising aquaculture for commercial purposes.