Nonriparian Shade as a Water Quality Best Management Practice for Grazing-Lands: A Case Study

Abstract

On the Ground • Cattle within riparian zones can negatively impact water quality and riparian health, which are important environmental concerns for grazing lands. • Best management practices (BMPs) help mitigate agricultural pollution. Since BMPs are primarily voluntary, stakeholder acceptance is critical, and agricultural producers need BMPs that are relevant to their operation and will not negatively impact production. • Alternative shade has been suggested as a water quality BMP, with both environmental and agricultural benefits. After implementing the nonriparian shade structure, a 30% average reduction was observed in the time cattle spent within the riparian zone.