What role do buffer strips play in water quality?

Buffer strips play a crucial role in enhancing water quality, primarily by acting as a natural filter for runoff. These vegetated areas, typically located between a water body and developed or disturbed land, capture and stabilize sediment, nutrients, and pollutants that might otherwise flow directly into the water. By absorbing and retaining rainwater, buffer strips slow down runoff and allow for sedimentation and biological uptake of nutrients, which helps in preventing eutrophication and maintaining ecosystem health.

The vegetation within buffer strips helps to filter out contaminants such as fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy metals, which can be carried by stormwater. Moreover, the root systems of the plants reinforce soil stability, reducing erosion and further protecting water bodies from sedimentation.

Their ecological function is essential for maintaining and improving water quality in nearby streams, rivers, and lakes, making their role far removed from merely aesthetic or decorative purposes and ensuring that they engage directly with water and soil health in their environment.