Journal of Environmental Quality · 1980 · 218 citations · 0 references
AgricultureAgronomyCrop SciencesCropping SystemsSoil FertilityWastewater TreatmentNutrient RunoffRunoff ControlRunoff ManagementAgricultural Buffer ManagementBuffer Strip EffectivenessColiform BacteriaDischarge ControlVegetated Buffer BedsVegetated Buffer StripsVegetation Buffer StripsVegetative Buffer Strips
A rainulator experiment evaluated vegetative buffer strips on a 4 % slope for controlling feedlot runoff pollution. The buffer strips cut runoff and total solids by 67 % and 79 %, lowered total N and P by 84 % and 83 %, reduced ammonium‑N and PO₄‑P, increased NO₃‑N from sorghum‑sudangrass and oat, and lowered coliform counts, demonstrating their promise as a nonstructural feedlot discharge control.
Abstract A rainulator was used to test vegetative buffer strips for their ability to control pollution from feedlot runoff. Cropped buffer strips on a 4% slope reduced runoff and total solids transported from a feedlot by 67 and 79%, respectively. Total N and P were reduced by an average of 84 and 83%, respectively. Ammonium‐N and PO 4 ‐P were similarly reduced, but average NO 3 ‐N in the runoff increased because some NO 3 ‐N was gained from the sorghum ( Sorghum vulgare L.)‐sudangrass ( Sorghum sudanense L.) and the oat ( Avena sativa L.) buffer strips. During both years, the number of coliform organisms in the runoff water was reduced after runoff passed through the vegetated buffer strips. These results indicated that nonstructural feedlot discharge control practices are a promising alternative method for controlling pollution from feedlot runoff.