loading page

A GIS-Based Approach to Site Vegetated Buffer Strips for Erosion Control Within an Agricultural Catchment in Southern England
  • +2
  • Cat Hudson,
  • Harold Lovell,
  • Alastair W. Pearson,
  • Martin Schaefer,
  • Philip J. Soar
Cat Hudson
University of Portsmouth School of the Environment Geography and Geosciences

Corresponding Author:catherine.hudson@port.ac.uk

Author Profile
Harold Lovell
University of Portsmouth School of the Environment Geography and Geosciences
Author Profile
Alastair W. Pearson
University of Portsmouth School of the Environment Geography and Geosciences
Author Profile
Martin Schaefer
University of Portsmouth School of the Environment Geography and Geosciences
Author Profile
Philip J. Soar
University of Portsmouth School of the Environment Geography and Geosciences
Author Profile

Abstract

Agricultural soil erosion is largely attributed to arable extensification and increased mechanisation. Runoff from arable land and intensively managed grassland transports sediment and contaminants across the landscape and into watercourses, causing crop loss, land degradation and water quality issues. One low-cost and low-maintenance nature-based mitigation approach is the implementation of vegetated buffer strips (VBS): grassland sited along field margins to trap sediment and contaminants, reducing transportation and diffuse pollution rates. GIS modelling using remotely sensed landscape indices and land parcel data can provide an efficient means of identifying priority areas for intervention at sub-catchment or farm system scales. We develop and test a scalable runoff risk model in the lower Rother catchment, West Sussex. The model uses the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) applied to satellite images as an erodibility proxy and identifies locations along pathways that are conceivably at greatest risk of sediment accumulation and transfer, guided by field observations. Current and historical field boundaries near high-risk locations are evaluated for their potential capacity to reduce runoff using an innovative ranking system. Recommendations are made for VBS implementation and utility of historical field margin restoration is discussed. Our method offers a rapid approach with minimal data requirements to identify high-risk erosion locations and priority sites for intervention. The tool has the potential to guide decision-makers responsible for targeting and implementing soil erosion control measures such as VBS, while also maximising agri-environmental and cultural benefits.
Submitted to Hydrological Processes
28 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Mar 20241st Revision Received
28 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
28 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
28 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
18 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
20 Apr 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
29 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
29 Apr 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned