HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -A riparian (forested) buffer zone is an area along a shoreline, wetland or stream where land disturbance is restricted or prohibited. The primary function of a riparian buffer is to physically protect and separate a stream, lake, or wetland from future disturbance or encroachment.

Detailed explanation-2: -A riparian forest buffer is an area adjacent to a stream, lake, or wetland that contains a combination of trees, shrubs, and/or other perennial plants and is managed differently from the surrounding landscape, primarily to provide conservation benefits.

Detailed explanation-3: -Riparian buffers are the natural vegetation from the edge of the stream bank out through the riparian zone. The vegetative zone serves as a buffer to pollutants entering a stream from runoff, controls erosion, and provides habitat and nutrient input into the stream.

Detailed explanation-4: -According to the USDA organic regulations, a buffer zone is “an area located between a certified production operation or portion of a production operation and an adjacent land area that is not maintained under organic management.