What is the best kind of riparian buffer?
Scientific debate continues on how to choose the best buffer. Researchers consider a buffer’s design, effectiveness, width, management and associated vegetation. They also factor in site characteristics of the area to be buffered, such as hydrology, topography, geology, land use and value. Wider buffers are better for water quality and wildlife, but buffers that are too wide could unnecessarily limit adjacent land use. Narrow buffers might not effectively reduce nonpoint source pollution. Buffers work better when they contain a diverse mixture of plants, since different plants have different rooting structures. Root diversity is helpful because most within the top several inches of soil are fibrous, while others, such as taproots, penetrate the soil more deeply. These roots remove nutrients and stabilize stream banks. An ideal mountain land buffer consists of a continuous forest along the stream or water body. However, for nonforested land, you could use a two-part buffer: a primary bu
