Abstract
Riparian buffer strips may protect streams from phosphorus (P) pollution. We compared 2 years of daily P-yield (μg m−2 day−1) from six southeast Wisconsin watersheds with contrasting riparian buffer attributes. Of the variables measured, mean daily P-yield was most closely correlated with the variability in riparian patch size. Variability in P-yield was most closely correlated with characteristics of the riparian buffer, such as percent wetland land cover, riparian continuity, and stream sinuosity. During the most extreme events, mean P-yield was negatively correlated with the percentage of wetland land cover in the upland watershed. Correlations suggest that riparian continuity may influence P-loading in these watersheds. Our results corroborate the importance of continuity and uniformity of riparian buffers as moderators of P flow from upland agricultural lands into streams.
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Received 1 June 2001; accepted 5 February 2002.
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Reed, T., Carpenter, S. Comparisons of P-Yield, Riparian Buffer Strips, and Land Cover inSix Agricultural Watersheds. Ecosystems 5, 568–577 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-002-0159-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-002-0159-8