Riparian Buffer Systems For Managing Effluents

Abstract

The concept of utilizing riparian buffer systems to manage agricultural effluents is being investigated in two separate studies at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia. In one study determination is being made of the effects of a restored forested riparian buffer system on nutrients entering from an upland site receiving dairy lagoon waste. In a second study management strategies for utilizing riparian buffer systems for direct application of swine lagoon waste by overland flow are being determined. Data collected from the restored wetland impacted by dairy effluent show that the system is effectively removing nutrients. Data collected since the start of swine effluent application indicate that the systems are utilizing N and P such that the high concentrations found in the waste are not observed in water at the bottom ends of the plots. Both of these projects are designed to aid land managers in developing systems for managing agricultural effluents so that soils and waters are not degraded.