Lake Erie Buffer Filter Strip EarthCache

Lake Erie Buffer Filter Strip

A buffer filter strip is an area of permanent vegetation, such as grass or trees, planted between farmland and a water body like Lake Erie to intercept and filter nutrient-rich runoff and sediment before they enter the waterway. These strips slow down water flow, allowing soil particles and pollutants like excess nitrogen and phosphorus to settle out, thereby improving water quality and reducing harmful algal blooms.
 
How they work:
• Filtration:
The vegetation acts as a filter, trapping sediment and other contaminants from agricultural fields. 
• Infiltration:
The strips increase water infiltration into the soil. 
• Vegetative Uptake:
Plants absorb some of the dissolved pollutants, further removing them from the water. 
• Sedimentation:
As the water slows, suspended soil particles settle out, preventing them from reaching the lake. 
Benefits:
• Improved Water Quality:
By removing nutrients and sediment, buffer strips help prevent eutrophication and reduce the risk of harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. 
• Reduced Soil Erosion:
They stabilize field borders and prevent soil from washing into waterways. 
• Wildlife Habitat:
Depending on the species, these strips can provide valuable food and cover for wildlife. 
• Economic and Environmental Benefits:
Buffer strips can contribute to a producer's commitment to conservation and environmental protection. 
Key features:
• Location:
They are strategically placed along the edge of agricultural fields, adjacent to streams, rivers, or ditches that flow into Lake Erie. 
• Vegetation:
They are planted with perennial grasses (like switchgrass or fescue) or legumes (like clover or alfalfa). 
• Width:
Increased width generally improves filtering effectiveness, with widths typically no less than 12 feet. 
• Slope:
The land needs a moderate slope (e.g., 6% or less) for effective sheet flow, which is essential for proper function. 

The soil near Grand Rapids, Ohio, is primarily composed of very deep, poorly drained clay and fine-loamy till, deposited by ancient glaciers and lakebeds. This region, located in Wood County, is part of Ohio's "till plains," which are known for their high fertility but also for having heavy, slow-draining soils. 

Key characteristics of the soil include:

• Glacial till and lakebed deposits: During the last Ice Age, retreating glaciers carved the Lake Erie basin and deposited a fine-grained mixture of sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments in the area. In deeper parts of ancient glacial lakes, fine sediments settled to form clayey soils.
• High clay content: The presence of clay is a defining feature of the soil in this region. This high concentration of fine clay particles means the soil is often sticky when wet, drains very slowly, and holds moisture well.
• Poor drainage: Soil series like Hoytville are very poorly drained, while Blount and Pewamo soils are somewhat-poorly drained. This is a common challenge for the region, as the heavy clay retains water.
• High fertility: The till plains in northwestern Ohio, where Grand Rapids is located, are considered some of the state's most fertile crop-growing areas. The soil, particularly Mollisols, is deep and rich in organic matter.
• Lime content: Calcium carbonate (lime) content is significant in the glacial till in this western part of the state, contributing to the alkaline pH of the soil.

To log this cache, attach required photo(s) to your log entry and geocache message me the answers to the following questions:

1. Does this filtration buffer exceed the 12 foot rule? Measure or estimate, how wide is the filter stream?

2. Using the slope calculator pictured above... What is the grade of the land sloping down facing North?

3. Look into the stream... Is the water clear? Green? Brown? Does this represent good filtering or poor filtering?

4. Do you see discolored sediment build up along the stream's edges?

5. DIY Alkaline Soil Test ( Vinegar Test)

1. Collect a soil sample from near signage.
2. Place the soil in a container.
3. Add a splash of vinegar to the soil.
4. Observe the reaction: If you see bubbles or fizzing, your soil is alkaline. 

- Message your results

(If the soil is wet enough, you can preform a PH test at posted coordinates to compare to the creek)

6. PH Test. Test the creek with a PH test kit or PH strip test. Message your results. 

7. Post a picture of yourself or personal item with the Lake Erie Buffer Filter Strip signage at posted (REQUIRED)

Thanks for visiting my Earthcache!