Effectiveness of Vegetated Buffer Strips in Controlling Pollution from Feedlot Runoff

Abstract

AbstractA rainulator was used to test vegetative buffer strips for their ability to control pollution from feedlot runoff. Cropped buffer strips on a 4% slope reduced runoff and total solids transported from a feedlot by 67 and 79%, respectively. Total N and P were reduced by an average of 84 and 83%, respectively. Ammonium‐N and PO4‐P were similarly reduced, but average NO3‐N in the runoff increased because some NO3‐N was gained from the sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L.)‐sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense L.) and the oat (Avena sativa L.) buffer strips. During both years, the number of coliform organisms in the runoff water was reduced after runoff passed through the vegetated buffer strips. These results indicated that nonstructural feedlot discharge control practices are a promising alternative method for controlling pollution from feedlot runoff.