Edge-of-field areas are critical transition zones between agriculturally active areas and sensitive wetlands or water bodies. Although these areas are often ignored, it is important that they be actively managed for their ecological services. Strategic placement of vegetation, such as in edge-of-field drainage channels, riparian forest areas, natural or constructed wetlands, or grass buffers, can mitigate off-site movement of runoff and associated contaminants. Vegetated buffer areas provide a physical impediment to runoff sediment and an environment conducive to the processing of contaminants attached to sediments deposited within the buffer zone. Soils and plant residues within buffer zones may retain pesticides or facilitate pesticide metabolism. Uptake by plants or retention on the surface of live plants are another mechanism for trapping and metabolizing pesticides. This paper reviews research in the Lower Mississippi River Basin concerning mitigating pesticide loss using edge-of-field vegetation management. Data from research sites is being used to develop riparian buffer components impacted by pesticide transport processes within the USDA AnnAGNPS watershed conservation planning model.

Edge-of-field management to mitigate potential off-site pesticide movement

2019 Fall National Meeting

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