Plant Trees to Filter Nutrients and Bacteria

Have you ever taken a bath with a black angus? You may have if you've been swimming in a river. This cow is answering nature's call about a mile upstream of a popular swimming hole. Cow pies contain bacteria that can make people sick. Over 90% of bacteria will be filtered if water first passes through a forest buffer where trees and shrubs have been planted. Animal manure contains the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous. These nutrients can make algae grow so thick that they cut off sunlight to other plants. When algae dies it decays and depletes oxygen in the water. Aquatic animals can die as a result.

Trees and shrubs could be planted here.

Nutrients also come from lawns and golf courses that have been over-fertilized. Notice how the grass looks very green and healthy. Fertilizer is probably being added regularly. With a good forest buffer, much of this fertilizer can be filtered before it reaches the stream.