Impact of agricultural practices on waterways can be reduced in many ways. The most important concerns are erosion and water contamination, which are intrinsically related.
Some technics have been developed by the MAPAQ:
Reduce tillage
- Reduces erosion and therefore water contamination (no phosphate input nor sediment loading)
Green manure and intercropping
- Reduce pollution of waterways (reduce nitrate fertilizer run-off). Increase the soil’s physical and biological properties, thereby reducing soil erosion.
Riparian strip (see policies/regulations)
- A minimum of 3 m; reduces soil erosion.
Stock water sites
- No water contamination by domestic animals. No trampling by animals which increases water turbidity (sediment loading).
Reduce soil compaction
- Reduce water run-off.
Pastures
- Herbaceous vegetation reduces soil erosion, which increases water quality.
Grassed waterways
- Drain run-off water, prevent erosion, and remove excess sediments and fertilizers.