Water quality response to riparian restoration in an agricultural watershed in Vermont, USA
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Authors: D. W. Meals
Date: 2001
Journal: Water Science and Technology
Volume: 43
Number: 5
Pages: 175-182
Summary of Methods: The effectiveness of livestock exclusion, streambank protection and riparian restoration practices in reducing non-point source pollution were examined along the Missiquoi River drainage of the Lake Champlain Basin in Vermont. Two watersheds [control (management remained same) and changed management] were examined over two periods (calibration and treatment). Samples collected were measured for total phosphorus (TP), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total suspended solids (TSS), E.coli, fecal coliform, fecal streptococcus, discharge, TP export, TKN export, TSS export during 1997 to 1998.
Article Summary / Main Points: Livestock grazing negatively impacted water quality characteristics, with respect to bacteria counts and nutrient loads, in 2 watersheds monitored along the Missiquoi River drainage in Vermont. In the treatment watershed where riparian fencing, improved water crossing and riparian restoration practices were applied, there was a reduction in total phosphorus concentration, indicator bacteria counts, and total phosphorus export compared to the control watershed in the first year after treatmets were applied.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 142 St. Lawrence-Champlain Plain
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Nonpoint source pollution Water quality
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: agricultural water quality, lake champlain, nonpoint source pollution, phosphorus, riparian zone, vermont
Annotation: The study is applicable to all agricultural and rangelands that produce runoff for lakes, streams, and streambanks. Caution should be used when interpreting these results; an individual management change cannot be singled out as the single most effective management change on water quality due to the design of the study.
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