Grass filters planted along streams are called riparian buffer strips (RBS). If the buffer also contains trees and shrubs it is called a riparian forest buffer (RFB). Both types of buffers are designed to reduce runoff of sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff from field crops. RFBs are also designed for additional benefits including stream bank stability, improved wildlife habitat and potential
income from traditional or specialty forest products.
Riparian buffer strip (grass filter strip) along the edge of a crop field adjacent to a stream. Water runoff from the field will pass through the grass filter before it enters the stream.
Water quality improvementhe driving force for installing riparian buffer strips.
Keep it out. Keep it clean.
PROJECT GOALS
The Clear Creek Buffer Project will evaluate the effectiveness of RBS in removing nitrogen, sediment, atrazine and other pesticides from row crop runoff in the Platte River Valley. The research site on Clear Creek, in Polk County, will allow researchers to compare water runoff, sediment loss, and chemical loss from a 360-acre watershed that is over 70% "buffered" with planted grass buffers and natural grass/tree buffers, to an adjacent 390-acre watershed with no riparian buffer strips. The three-year project, started in 2000, will measure spring runoff and chemical concentrations from the two watersheds, sediment and chemical concentrations into and out of several grass strips, and transport of chemicals in the shallow groundwater below the filer strips. The project will also support development of innovative in-buffer sampling devices and the development of new computer models to predict water and chemical transport in surface water through grass filters. The buffer research is located on the Robert and Gerald Bryan farms northwest of Strombsburg, Nebraska.

Clear Creek Buffer Project is
partially funded by:

University of Nebraska

Central Platte Natural Resources
District

Nebraska Corn Growers
Association

Nebraska Department of
Agriculture

For more information:

Tom Franti, UNL
Biological Systems Engineering
402-472-9872

Carla McCullough, UNL
Project Coordinator
402-472-8842
Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln