ECONOMIC AND WATER QUALITY BENEFITS OF MANUKA RIPARIAN PLANTINGS

摘要

There is increasing concern about the degradation of water quality in many rivers and lakes in New Zealand. Riparian plantations are one possible solution for reducing the entrance of nutrients, pathogens and sediments into the waterways. Run-off fromfarming areas, livestock waste, fertilisers, pesticides, septic tanks, wastewater, and stormwater are the main contributors of'the big three'pollutants of our rivers; namely, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous, pathogens and sediments. In addition, the deforestation of many areas adjacent to waterways has increased the erosion of river banks, and removed the natural filters around rivers and lakes.