Application of vegetative buffer strips under natural rainfall to conserve soil and water

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the most serious environmental issues in the world. The use of vegetative buffer strips is an effective strategy to reduce surface water pollutions as well as soil erosion. The present research has been conducted with aim to study the efficiency of buffer strips in runoff volume and sediment control using experimental plots. In this regard, twelve experimental plots with the dimensions of 1 m × 10 m were provided, and runoff samples were collected monthly to measure runoff volume and sediment. Vetiver grass and tall fescue were used as the plant species of the studied vegetative buffer strips. It was found that, vegetative buffer strips reduced the runoff volume up to 97% and sediment concentration up to 96%. Vetiver grass showed a high efficiency in runoff and sediment control; but, the maximum efficiency is achieved when this species is used along with a plant similar to the tall fescue in terms of density and uniformity. Also, periodic cutting the plants and cleaning the buffer strips can be considered as effective strategies to prevent vegetative buffer strips acting as the source of sediment.