Landscape-Scale Nutrient Reduction

Effective nutrient reduction at a landscape scale involves the strategic conservation and management of forested lands, headwater streams, springs, wetlands, floodplains, and riparian corridors. These lands are critical in minimizing nutrient runoff driven by precipitation.

Forests and Natural Areas

Forests and natural areas provide essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat provision. Their conservation is integral to reducing nutrient runoff at the landscape level.

Nature-Based Solutions

The Tennessee Nutrient Reduction Task Force Nature-based Solutions working group developed this definition:
Nature-based Solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to function in ways that address societal challenges, provide co-benefits for people, and are cost-effective, adaptable, and sustainable over time.

The table below shows how the Tennessee Nutrient Reduction Task Force organizes different types of nature-based solutions, with brief descriptions and examples to illustrate how these strategies are applied statewide.

The Tennessee Nutrient Reduction Task Force also identified the following conservation practices as effective nature-based solutions for nutrient loss reduction.
Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standard Number and Descriptions:
391 Riparian Forest Buffer
390 Riparian Herbaceous Cover
393 Vegetated Filter Strip

Stream Banks and Channels

Stream banks and channels are the natural boundaries and pathways through which rivers, creeks, and streams flow, playing a vital role in transporting, transforming, and sometimes retaining nutrients as water moves through the landscape. They serve as critical interfaces between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, where processes like erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient cycling occur, significantly influencing water quality and ecosystem health.

Riparian Corridors and Floodplains

These areas play a vital role in stabilizing stream banks, reducing erosion, and filtering out nutrients before they reach water bodies. Restoration and conservation efforts focus on maintaining and enhancing these natural features.

Wetlands

Wetlands are natural filters that trap sediments and nutrients, preventing them from reaching open water systems. Wetlands conservation and restoration are the key components of nature based solutions.

Groundwater

Protection of Source Waters: Groundwater is a critical source of drinking water, and its protection is essential. Efforts include safeguarding recharge areas and preventing contamination from surface runoff.

Headwaters and Springs

Headwaters and springs are often the sources of streams and rivers. Protecting these areas from nutrient pollution is essential protecting drinking water sources as well as maintaining water quality throughout the watershed.