Riparian Ecosystem Management Model: Simulator for Ecological Processes in Riparian Zones

by Lee S. Altier, Richard Lowrance, Randall G. Williams, Shreeram P. Inamdar, David D. Bosch, Joseph M. Sheridan, Robert K. Hubbard, and Daniel L. Thomas

Riparian buffer zones are effective in mitigating nonpoint source pollution and have been recommended as a best management practice (BMP). Their potential use as a BMP has been limited because of the lack of a design procedure that can quantify their effectiveness for a given set of site conditions. The Riparian Ecosystem Management Model (REMM) has been developed for researchers and natural resource agencies as a modeling tool that can help to quantify the water quality benefits of riparian buffers under varying site conditions. Processes simulated in REMM include surface and subsurface hydrology; sediment transport and deposition; carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus transport, removal, and cycling; and vegetation growth. Simulations are performed on a daily basis and can be continued in excess of 100 years. Management options such as vegetation type, size of the buffer zone, and biomass harvesting can also be simulated. REMM can be used in conjunction with upland models, empirical data, or estimated loadings to examine scenarios of buffer zone design for a hillslope. Black and white, 222 pages.

Note:  The Acrobat pdf version of this publication is identical in content to the print version except for the following:

• The equations may appear to be in a different type than in the print version. This is an artifact of the pdf creation process, and in any case does not affect the content of the equations.
  
  
• Problems have shown up during printing of certain of the illustrations using some computer–printer combinations; experimentation may be necessary to produce accurate printouts. Displayed with Acrobat, the illustrations should be correct.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Conservation Research Report 46
 
February 2002

While supplies last, you may order one free copy by mail from R. Lowrance, USDA-ARS, Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 946, Tifton, GA 31793.

Specify that you're ordering Riparian Ecosystem Management Model: Simulator for Ecological Processes in Riparian Zones and give your complete mailing address, including postal code.

Click here to view publication online (pdf file) using Adobe Acrobat Reader (8,587 KB).

Click here to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing pdf files.