However, the construction of one or more fences may facilitate a grazing system that enhances and improves vegetative cover. The amount of runoff may be reduced due to increased overland flow impedance. With slower overland flow, the runoff has a greater probability of infiltrating the soil. The increased infiltration made possible by the increased vegetation may increase groundwater. Refer to the conservation management systems, of which fence is a component, to determine the effect on water quantity.
Livestock have a tendency to walk along fences causing trails to be formed.
These trails may become bare channels that concentrate, direct, and accelerate runoff. This situation has the potential to deliver more sediment and associated pollutants to surface waters. Fencing can have the effect of concentrating livestock in small areas, causing a concentration of manure that may wash off into the stream, thus causing surface water pollution. Fencing may protect riparian areas that act as sediment traps and filters along water channels and impoundments. Air Fencing is usually a facilitating practice for other management practices and, as such, may not improve air quality directly.