Integrated buffer zones represent a novel form of edge-of-field technology in Northwest Europe. These differ from common riparian buffer strips, since they not only handle surface runoff but can also reduce runoff from tile drainage. The integrated buffer strips collect tile drainage water from agricultural fields by combining a ditch-like pond, where soil particles can settle, and a flow-through filter bed planted with black alder (Alnus glutinosa). The first experimental integrated buffer zones were constructed and thoroughly tested in Denmark for their capability to retain various nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) species within the first three years after construction. The monthly average removal efficiency amounted to 10–67% for total N and 31–69% for total P, with performance being highest during the warm season.
Accordingly, integrated buffer strips may be a valuable modification of dry buffer strips in order to mitigate the adverse impacts of high nutrient loading from agricultural fields on the aquatic environment.
Zak, D., Kronvang, B., Carstensen, M,V. et al. 2018: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal from Agricultural Runoff in Integrated Buffer Zones. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2018, 52, 6508−6517 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.8b01036