Intergrated Bufferzones

Integrated Buffer Zones (IBZ) targets the problems with pipe drainage bypassing buffer strips and thereby shortcutting any water retention and bio – geochemical processes for nutrients. The new concept of IBZs is to cut drain pipes before entering the stream by establishing a closed ditch running parallel to the stream, leading to sedimentation and denitrification as well as reducing peak flows. Adjacent to the ditch a controlled water overflow-zone is established allowing the water to infiltrate a zone with trees between the ditch and the stream. No water is transported by surface flow to the stream. In the infiltration zone trees are established to optimize the infiltration capacity of the buffer area.