Completed Competitive Grant

The role of herbaceous woodland perennial diversity for improving nutrient uptake capacity of riparian areas

Project ID: 2004-E04

Abstract

This project investigated the roles of forest understory perennial plant communities in storing nutrients and preventing pollution of surface waters.

Key Question: Is it feasible for farmers to improve the function of riparian buffers by adding shade tolerant perennial herbaceous species?

Findings: This study suggests that these perennial herbaceous species will improve seasonal nutrient storage in buffers. Additional work by these researchers is investigating which of these species play a key role in nutrient retention and methods for reintroducing them.

Lead investigator: Cathy Mabry McMullen, ISU Natural Resource Ecology and Management, et al

Year of grant completion: 2006

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Agroforestry, Water quality, quantity and management

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The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/2004-e04 on 01/21/2013