Expansive cultivated cropland may provide insufficient cover and food for upland game, songbirds, and other wildlife, especially in winter. Connected stretches of buffers become wildlife corridors, greatly improving habitat for larger animals. Buffers may produce perennial crops, such as lumber and veneer, fiber, hay, nuts, fruit, and berries. Evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs may provide color diversity at certain times of the year. Depends on personal tastes.
Roots hold stream banks and buffer soil in place.
Extensive riparian buffers in a watershed may reduce peak flood level. Iowa State University Send us a message with your comments about our web site.