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Vegetation type of riparian buffers

A soil scientist says the vegetation type of a riparian buffer does not seem to make a difference in removing nitrogen from agricultural runoff.

Deanna Osmond at North Carolina State University tells Brownfield these grass, perennial or tree zones that separate farmland from streams and rivers have been researched extensively.

“During the 10 years that we looked at the effectiveness of these buffers, we were not able to statistically discern any difference between vegetation type.”

The study replicated four buffer models: mixed hardwood pine, switch grass, fescue and natural re-vegetation.

“So at this point, we’re saying for just nitrogen it doesn’t really matter what your vegetation is.”

Osmond says there are variables to consider, including the economics of taking land out of production and selecting native species.