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Staaf, Rasmus, 2022. Sediment transport in small streams is related to riparian buffer width : a comparison between wide and narrow riparian buffers. First cycle, G2E. Umeå: SLU, Dept. of Forest Ecology and Management

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Abstract

This study aims to provide information about how different widths of riparian buffers affect the quantity and quality of sediments transported in a small stream after a clear – cut harvest. Small streams have critical influences on downstream rivers and excessive transported sediments can have large negative effects on the aquatic system. A small stream located 45 km north-west from Umeå, Sweden was studied. Traps were used to catch sediments transported along the stream bottom at the end of 100 m long sections of stream that either had a narrow (5m) or wide (15m) riparian buffer or was located within intact forest. The sediment collected was separated into coarse sediment, fine sediment and very fine sediment.

A narrow riparian buffer was found to cause significantly (p < 0.05) heavier amounts of coarse transported sediments than a wide riparian buffer after a clear – cut harvest. A narrow riparian buffer caused heavier weights of transported sediments from the pre-harvest and the un-harvested control than the wide riparian buffer. After a clear – cut harvest, the amount of inorganic transported sediments weighed significantly (p < 0.05) more than the amount of organic transported sediments. Additionally, it was found that a wide buffer could produce larger amounts of coarse organic transported sediments than a narrow buffer – at least during a wind and rain storm.

With the results from this study, and with support from previous studies, it is suggested that a wide riparian buffer should be used when a clear – cut harvest is made. The wide riparian buffer will better meet the Swedish management objectives regarding sedimentation than a narrow one.

Main title:Sediment transport in small streams is related to riparian buffer width
Subtitle:a comparison between wide and narrow riparian buffers
Authors:Staaf, Rasmus
Supervisor:Maher Hasselquist, Eliza
Examiner:Henriksson, Nils
Series:Kandidatarbeten i skogsvetenskap / SLU, Fakulteten för skogsvetenskap
Volume/Sequential designation:2022:07
Year of Publication:2022
Level and depth descriptor:First cycle, G2E
Student's programme affiliation:SY001 Forest Science - Master's Programme 300 HEC
Supervising department:(S) > Dept. of Forest Ecology and Management
Keywords:Riparian Zone, Protective Zone, Headwater Stream, Forestry, Clear – cut Harvest, Organic Sediment, Inorganic Sediment, Near Stream Logging
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-17912
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-17912
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Forestry production
Language:English
Deposited On:01 Jul 2022 08:09
Metadata Last Modified:02 Jul 2022 01:01

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