Which of the following helps in reducing runoff reaching water bodies?

Vegetative buffers play a significant role in reducing runoff that reaches water bodies. These buffers, often composed of native grasses, shrubs, and trees planted along the edges of water bodies, serve multiple environmental functions.

First, vegetative buffers act as a filter for pollutants, absorbing and trapping sediments, nutrients, and contaminants before they can enter streams, rivers, and lakes. As water flows over the land and into the buffer zone, the vegetation slows down the flow of water, allowing for increased infiltration and reducing the velocity of runoff. This helps to prevent erosion and captures harmful substances that would otherwise be carried directly into surface waters.

Additionally, the root systems of plants in vegetative buffers stabilize the soil, further reducing soil erosion and promoting water quality. These areas can also promote biodiversity by providing habitat for various species, contributing to a healthy ecosystem around the water body.

Overall, vegetative buffers are an effective, sustainable practice for improving water quality by mitigating the effects of runoff from agricultural, urban, and developed areas.