Vegetative filter strips to control sediment movement in forest plantations: validation of a simple model using field data

A field study of sediment movement through vegetative barriers was carried out to assess the sediment-trapping effectiveness of vegetative barrier types typically used in forest forest plantation management in south-east Queensland, Australia, and to develop a simple methodology for predicting sediment movement through these barriers. For sites at the centre of Queensland's 110 000 ha Pinus plantation and 45 000 ha Araucaria plantation program, small field flumes (plots) were established on a range of vegetation types and slope gradients, and sediment-laden flows passed through them. Sediment trapping in the plots was assessed by comparing paired samples taken from the inlet and outlet of the plots at pre-determined sampling times. Measurements included total sediment and equivalent size distributions of sediment particles (the latter measurements being based on settling velocities). For plots that did not erode, the degree of sediment trapping, if based on total sediment only, was quite variable. However, if rates of transport were considered in terms of the various size fractions, results were very consistent. A simple conceptual approach equating the vegetated area to a sedimentation pond allowed deposition to be calculated on the basis of settling velocity, flow depth, and residence time within the vegetated area. Estimated transport rates of sediment through the vegetated areas were in close agreement with measured transport rates, confirming the efficiency of this approach. The results highlight a number of issues for management of sediment movement from forest estates.