Ecological Restoration Zones within the Monkey River Area (Belize) Using Community Grown Nurseries to Produce Plants for Riparian Strips

Abstract

Agricultural runoff near watersheds causes severe pollution of estuaries that can cause severe detrimental effects. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the most effective riparian strip combination to reduce offsite runoff and pollution. Three combinations of riparian strips were tested by simulating runoff in a greenhouse environment with drip irrigation. Results of elements in leaf tissues, effluent volume, and effluent element concentrations showed that the riparian strips with a combination of grass and trees was the most successful. If the detailed plan provided by this experiment for growing and planting a riparian strip near Monkey River is installed, then it can be concluded that the riparian strip will reduce nutrient runoff and help prevent erosion.