Efficiency and dimensioning of riparian buffer zones in agricultural catchments |
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Authors: | Ülo Mander Valdo Kuusemets Krista Lõhmus Tõnu Mauring |
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Institution: | Ülo Mander, Valdo Kuusemets, Krista Lõhmus,Tõnu Mauring |
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Abstract: | A strong linear correlation was found between the log-transformed load and retention of nitrogen and phosphorus in riparian buffer zones (r=0.99 and 0.997, respectively). Analyses of N and P budgets in four riparian forests of varying age (two grey alder stands in Estonia and two riparian deciduous forests in USA) show a significant efficiency. Despite the different input load (72.9–110.4 kg N ha−1 year−1 and 2.5–3.0 kg P ha−1 year−1), the outputs into streams from the alder stands systems were comparably low (9.0–13.2 and 0.38–0.62 kg ha−1 year−1). The older forests from the USA showed less efficiency. Plant uptake of both N and P in younger stands was significantly higher than in older forests. Methods to determine the buffer zones' and buffer strips' width and their efficiency are presented. The testing of efficiency assessment in a watershed in Estonia demonstrated an expected efficiency of buffers. |
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Keywords: | Nitrogen Phosphorus Load Retention Buffer zones Buffer strips Riparian forests |
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