Riparian catchments: A landscape approach to link uplands with riparian zones for agricultural and ecosystem conservation

Authors: Tomer, Mark; Porter, Sarah; James, David; Van Horn, Jessica

Submitted to: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/22/2020
Publication Date: 7/6/2020
Citation: Tomer, M.D., Porter, S.A., James, D.E., Van Horn, J.D. 2020. Riparian catchments: A landscape approach to link uplands with riparian zones for agricultural and ecosystem conservation. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. 75:94A-100A. https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.2020.1220A.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.2020.1220A

Interpretive Summary: A new approach for analysis of agricultural landscapes from a watershed and hydrologic perspective, called riparian catchments, has been included in the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework, Version 3, a watershed planning toolbox used with geographic information systems software. Riparian catchments are developed by dividing the stream network into a set of segments of a length selected by the user. Watershed contributing areas are delineated to each segment and then divided by the stream. The resulting riparian catchments each delineate the land area that can contribute overland flows to a defined length of streambank found on either side of each stream segment. Results can facilitate analyses for evaluating riparian zone management opportunities from a whole watershed viewpoint. Attributes of the riparian catchment, including size, topography and soil characteristics can be used to map functional buffer designs and the potential for siting practices such as saturated buffers for tile drainage treatment. A variety of additional analyses are possible, the paper describes four examples developed using a watershed case study. The paper is written for a general audience of those interested in management of agricultural watersheds.

Technical Abstract: This article describes a new approach for analysis of agricultural landscapes from a watershed and hydrologic perspective, called riparian catchments, which is part of the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework, Version 3. Riparian catchments are developed by dividing the stream network into a set of segments of a nominal length selected by the user. The stream segments are then used as watershed outlets and contributing areas are delineated to each stream segment and then divided by the segment. Once divided, the resulting riparian catchments each delineate the land area that can contribute overland flows to a defined length of streambank found on either side of each segment. Results are meant to assist with evaluation of riparian zone management opportunities from a whole watershed viewpoint. Attributes of the riparian catchment, including size, topography and soil characteristics, can be used to map functional buffer designs and the potential for siting practices such as saturated buffers for tile drainage treatment. A variety of additional analyses are possible; the paper describes four examples developed using a watershed case study. The paper is written for a general audience of those interested in management of agricultural watersheds.