For many, this concern is leading to changes in their cultivation practices and to the creation of buffer strips along streams. Healthy Riparian Vegetation A narrow, meandering stream channel with a broad flood plain and overhanging vegetation is considered healthy, particularly if the vegetation includes woody, deep-rooted plants such as willow. Dense vegetation traps snow and slows the rate of runoff and flood water. This increases moisture infiltration into the soil and contributes to ground water recharge. Soil moisture reserves help to maintain crop and forage yield during dry periods which often occur during the growing season in Saskatchewan.
Vegetation also reduces erosion and purifies water.
The roots produced by trees, shrubs and grasses stabilize streambanks. Foliage, stems and litter intercept raindrops and slow the velocity of runoff and floodwater. Vegetation also traps sediment and nutrient rich organic matter, enriching floodplain soils. There is less leaching of nitrates and heavy metals into the water system, reducing the potential for toxicity problems and algal blooms. Improved water quality also benefits livestock and aquatic organisms.