Management effects on runoff and sediment transport in riparian forest buffers

The effectiveness of mature riparian forests in reducing the impact of agriculture on the quality of the nation’s water resources has been documented, but the impact of forest management practices implemented within riparian forest buffers on their water quality function has not been evaluated. This article examines the effect of forest management within a Coastal Plain riparian forest buffer system (RFBS) on runoff and sediment transport over a four year period. The RFBS, which conformed to USDA-FS and USDA-NRCS best management recommendations, included a narrow strip of undisturbed forest located adjacent to the stream drainage system (Zone 1), a wide managed pine forest downslope from the grass filter (Zone 2), and a narrow grass filter strip immediately downslope from an agricultural field (Zone 3). Forest management treatments evaluated within Zone 2 were mature forest, clear-cut, and selectively-thinned. Significant reductions in runoff and sediment transport were measured under all three forest management treatments. The primary zone of runoff and sediment reduction was within the grass filter portion of the RFBS. These results indicate that riparian forests within a RFBS may be managed for economic return to the land owner without adversely affecting the runoff and sediment reduction function performed by these buffer systems.

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