{"id":408,"date":"2017-07-19T12:25:00","date_gmt":"2017-07-19T00:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.northlandfarm.co.nz\/?p=408"},"modified":"2017-07-19T12:25:00","modified_gmt":"2017-07-19T00:25:00","slug":"riparian-planting-planting-keep-waterways-clear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northlandfarm.co.nz\/blog-items\/riparian-planting-planting-keep-waterways-clear\/","title":{"rendered":"Riparian Planting- Planting to keep waterways clear"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The upper bank zone is on higher ground but may still be partially flooded every couple of years. Dairy NZ suggests using flaxes, grasses, shrubs or trees which provide shade and shelter.<\/p><\/div>\n

New Zealand summers would not be the same without picnics and swimming at our pristine rivers. But, future generations may miss out on these experiences due to the freshwater crisis that New Zealand ecosystems face today.<\/p>\n

Land use associated with dairy farming affects local ecosystems and is linked to the reduction of the quality of our waterways.<\/p>\n

Did you know that 44% of all monitored lakes<\/a> are polluted beyond the point of eutrophication<\/a>, and 62% of our lowland rivers have more pathogens than are safe to swim in.<\/p>\n

But, there are planting strategies you can implement on your property to protect the environment around you.<\/p>\n

Riparian management allows for the everyday runoff from the agriculture industry in a way that keeps your production on target but reduces damage to your waterway.<\/p>\n

This post will show you how to implement riparian planting and how to manage it effectively.<\/p>\n

What is riparian planting?<\/h2>\n

Before we look at how to make the most of riparian planting techniques, let\u2019s take a look at what it actually is. The word \u2018Riparian\u2019 comes from the latin \u2018Ripa\u2019 meaning, river bank. The Riparian Zone refers to land beside a stream or river and is where this post will be focussed.<\/p>\n

Quick definition<\/strong>: Riparian management aims to reverse the impacts of land use by filtering out contaminants before they are able to reach the stream.<\/p>\n

There are three main methods to implement:<\/p>\n

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  1. Fencing keeps livestock out of streams<\/li>\n
  2. Long grasses leave a buffer zone that filter contaminants<\/li>\n
  3. Replanting trees restores environmental functions provided by trees such as shade and bank stability.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Northland Regional Council lists additional benefits of planted riparian margins<\/a>, such as:<\/p>\n