Run-off and sediment storage: The effectiveness of mitigation measures against soil erosion and freshwater pollution

Measures such as detention structures and buffer strips are widely used to limit off-site damage of run-off from eroding fields. The effectiveness of such measures varies greatly. However, 'effectiveness' is often narrowly defined and ignores the unintended consequences of damage to freshwater systems by sediments and other pollutants. Detention structures and buffer strips retain coarse sediment (>similar to 100 mu m diameter) but are less effective at retaining fine sediment.

Automated summary

Measures such as detention structures and buffer strips vary in their effectiveness at controlling off-site damage of run-off from eroding fields, with limited retention of fine sediments being a common issue. It is important to consider the unintended consequences on freshwater systems caused by these measures and to find ways to minimize such damages.