Filter strip

They are primarily used in agriculture to control non-point source pollution, however, they may also be used to reduce sediment in storm water runoff from construction sites.

[8] Vegetation then uptakes these inorganic molecules, notably nitrogen and phosphorus, reducing their concentrations in nearby surface water.

Eutrophication is a widespread problem in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal oceans, directly caused by the over-enrichment of nitrogen and phosphorus; the source of which is overwhelmingly nonpoint pollution from agriculture.

By reducing the concentration of chemical fertilizers in surface water, filter strips have a positive effect on human health.

[9] At high concentrations, the ingestion of nitrates can result in an acute condition known as methemoglobinemia in which the oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin is impaired.

This type of filter strip is planted with a perennial grass or legumes that have a high rate of nitrogen fixation.

The use of prairie grass has some benefits, especially increased biodiversity, as opposed to vegetative filter strips, and their multilayered root systems and strong stems make them better suited for adverse weather.

[12] Filter strips are highly effective in reducing the concentration of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in runoff into surface water.

Minnesota, for example, requires farmers to install a filter strip along all public bodies of water and drainage ditches.