SUOTO- Effects of age and management of buffer zone on its functioning (Suojavyöhykkeen iän ja hoidon vaikutus suojavyöhykkeen toimintaan)

Macropores are the main paths for infiltration into wet soils. Destroyed soil structure increases ponding of water and surface runoff and, consequently, vulnerability to water erosion. Thus, vegetative buffer zones along rivers and other water courses are one of the obligatory requirements for farmers joining the Finnish Agri-Environmental programme. The processes taking place in a buffer zone are, however, poorly understood. Does the age and management affect soil pore structure and hydrophobicity of buffer zones? If yes, how old and what kind of buffer zones are the best for erosion control and prevent nutrient and faecal microbe leaching? We proposed to answer these questions by using integrated data from field measurements and laboratory analyses. The project is conducted by the Dept. of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology/ Food and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki, co-operated with MTT Agrifood Research Finland, and two Universities in Germany (Kiel, Bremen). The project will add our understanding about functioning of buffer zones. Results will be available for improving the instructions of new Agri-Environmental programme and will be popularized in Finland through magazines.