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Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource
Author(s) -
Dal Ferro Nicola,
Borin Maurizio,
Cardinali Alessandra,
Cavalli Raffaele,
Grigolato Stefano,
Zanin Giuseppe
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq2018.07.0261
Subject(s) - buffer strip , firewood , environmental science , revenue , subsidy , business , agricultural science , buffer zone , agriculture , geography , economics , market economy , accounting , archaeology
Vegetated buffer strips (VBS) are recognized as a cost‐effective way to reduce agricultural nonpoint‐source pollution. In agroecosystems with high field fragmentation, only narrow VBS that partially compromise farmers’ revenue are accepted. This study aimed to identify some ecosystem services as provided by VBS in terms of soil and water quality, and VBS performance in terms of wood for energy purposes. Buffer strip design (3 vs. 6 m wide) and composition were considered to define best practices for wood use at the farm level and for the local firewood market. Results showed that yearly wood pole production was 0.5 t 100 m −1 , on average, ranging between a minimum of 0.22 t 100 m −1 and a maximum of 0.72 t 100 m −1 per row. Wood production had negligible effects on farmers’ revenue. By contrast, water quality was enhanced, especially with 6‐m‐wide VBS. Specific subsidies for the maintenance of VBS increased total income despite a reduction in crop production (−17.5% in 6‐m VBS with two rows). Subsidies might be better quantified at a site‐specific level by taking into account all ecosystem services that are provided by VBS. Promising solutions to increase farmers’ income are related to the wood seasoning process for firewood production; reducing the moisture content to <25% before the start of the winter season increases its market value. Core Ideas Vegetated buffer strips are nature‐based solutions whose adoption is related to farmers’ revenue. Lower crop production due to buffer strips is not compensated for by the local firewood market. Soil and water quality were enhanced in the 6‐m‐wide buffer strips. Paper‐based waterproof covers can improve firewood management and farmers’ revenue.