Improving evidence for buffer strip effectiveness for P across the DTC's

Improving evidence for buffer strip effectiveness for P across the DTC's

ADAS is involved in a collaborative project investigating the effectiveness of buffer strips at removing sediment and Phosphorus (P) across the three Demonstration Test Catchments (DTC).

Riparian buffers can be effective at removing sediment and phosphorus (P) from overland flow originating from agricultural land and therefore can be a useful tool in ameliorating diffuse pollution, as well as providing other benefits such as biodiverse habitats.

Consequently, they are included as an important land management option under Environmental Stewardship. However, to date the functioning and efficiency of buffer strips is relatively poorly understood, including their effectiveness over time. This is important because buffers which have accrued P could themselves potentially become a source of P should erosion of the buffer itself occur.

The timescales over which buffer efficiency changes is uncertain, and will vary depending on many factors including land use and soil type. A collaborative project (Defra WQ0208) between ADAS and Rothamsted Research, led by Prof. Adrian Collins (ADAS, Avon Catchment Consortium Leader), with Dr Martin Blackwell, Ms Rachel Matthews and Dr David Chadwick (Rothamsted Research) and Ms Sophie Sherriff, Ms Leasa Williams and Ms Sarah Smith (ADAS) are investigating the effectiveness and potential longevity of buffer strips for sediment and nutrient (especially phosphorus) removal from runoff from agricultural land across all three DTC catchments.

See more info on the following link:- ADAS