Cost-effectiveness of riparian forest buffers in farmland for water quality improvement

OpenAlex · İngilizce

This article explores the cost-effectiveness of riparian buffers for water quality improvement, focusing on three pollutants: nitrates, phosphorous, and sediments. The case study is implemented in the Cávado river basin located in northwest Portugal, where intensive dairy production is prevalent downstream. Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, two scenarios − 2.5 and 5 m width riparian buffers in agricultural areas – were simulated, which yielded significant reductions in pollutants. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that sediment reductions, especially under the 5 m scenario, are the least expensive among the pollutants covered in this study. Our findings revealed that removing one kilogram of sediment could cost between 0.41 and 3.43 euros. Moreover, detailed calculations of opportunity costs at the municipality level provided nuanced insights into the economic implications associated with land conversion to riparian forests. The findings offer valuable policy recommendations, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of riparian buffers in achieving ecological and economic goals.