Impact of Riparian Grass Filter Strips on Surface-Water Quality

Authors

Alex W. Fogle, University of KentuckyFollow
Daniel I. Carey, University of KentuckyFollow
Billy J. Barfield, Oklahoma State University
Robert L. Blevins, University of Kentucky
Vasilios P. Evangelou, University of Kentucky
Cora E. Madison, University of Kentucky
Shreeram P. Inamdar, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Abstract

The effectiveness of natural riparian grass filter strips in removing sediment and agricultural chemicals from surface runoff was studied using no-tillage and conventional-tillage erosion plots. Runoff from the tillage plots was directed onto 4.57, 9.14, and 13.72 m (15, 30, and 45 ft.) length filter strips, where the inflow and outflow concentrations and sediment size distributions were measured. Trapping efficiencies for sediment and agricultural chemicals typically ranged near or above 90 percent, mainly because of high infiltration rates. The filters also significantly reduced peak discharge concentrations, which reduced the impact of sediment and agricultural chemicals on receiving surface waters.

Publication Date

1994

Series

Series XI

Report Number

Information Circular 46

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/kgs.ic46.11

Funding Information

Supported in part by funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Competitive Grants Program and in part by funds provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

Repository Citation

Fogle, Alex W.; Carey, Daniel I.; Barfield, Billy J.; Blevins, Robert L.; Evangelou, Vasilios P.; Madison, Cora E.; and Inamdar, Shreeram P., "Impact of Riparian Grass Filter Strips on Surface-Water Quality" (1994). Information Circular--KGS. 52.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kgs_ic/52