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Field-Based Evaluation Tool for Riparian Buffer Zones in Agricultural Catchments

  • Environmental Assessment
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Abstract

Riparian buffer zones can improve water quality and enhance habitat, but a comprehensive yet rapid method that can assist the resource manager in assessing the effectiveness of buffers is not available. The aim of this paper is to describe and illustrate the use of a newly developed field-based evaluation tool for riparian buffer zones in agricultural catchments. The Buffer Zone Inventory and Evaluation Form (BZIEF) incorporates criteria-based scoring systems developed from literature review, subsequent peer-review, and then a pilot field study. Use of the BZIEF is demonstrated by comparing buffer zones in three catchments established for water quality and habitat improvement under the Water Fringe Option agrienvironment scheme in England in order to assess whether the buffers were likely to provide environmental enhancement. Results among the three catchments were generally similar; buffer zones scored highly for their abundant vegetation cover, lack of erosion, stream habitat quality, and sufficient width. Furthermore, previous grassland or arable land use did not substantially affect buffer zone ratings. However, the BZIEF indicated that inappropriate soil characteristics in one catchment were likely to constrain buffer zone effectiveness for improving water quality. In another catchment, poor riparian vegetation diversity and structure may yield ineffective habitat enhancement, according to the BZIEF. It was concluded that the BZIEF might be a useful tool for buffer zone comparison and monitoring, even though more work is needed to test and validate the method. For example, the BZIEF could be used to target appropriate locations for buffer zones and is flexible, so could be adapted for different policies, objectives and regions.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Nigel Watson for project management; Professor T. P. Burt, Drs. J.-J. Gril, N. Haycock, and G. Pinay for reviewing the Buffer Zone Inventory and Evaluation Form; Sue Rowland for cartography; and the buffer zone landowners. Caroline Ducros acknowledges the financial support of the School of the Environment, University of Brighton, during the research project.

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  1. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, 200 Kent Street, 12N179 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0E6

    Caroline M. J. Ducros

  2. School of the Environment, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK

    Chris B. Joyce

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  1. Caroline M. J. Ducros
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Ducros, C., Joyce, C. Field-Based Evaluation Tool for Riparian Buffer Zones in Agricultural Catchments . Environmental Management 32, 252–267 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-003-2913-x

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