STREAMS IN THE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE?
In southern Sweden, changes in agricultural practices have affected the streamland interface increasing nutrient transport to the sea. Results from ongoing studies suggest that these areas surrounding Scanian streams are important in nutrient removal. In artificially induced surface runoff through a riparian buffer strip, 66 % of the PO4-P was retained during the first 8 m of the strips. By 16 m, nearly all the PO4-P (95 %) had been removed. Results are less dramatic for NO3-N. At 8 and 16 m, 20 and 50 % had been removed, compared to a similar experiment during winter where 11 % of the nitrate was removed over a 30-m strip. Combining nutrient reduction with published faunal requirements and farming demands, a minimum of 10 m buffer strip seems to be a realistic suggestion. “Complete abstract not presented.”