Small-plot runoff simulations were used to evaluate the influence of buffer width, slope, vegetation characteristics, and stubble height on sediment retention. Overall, sediment retention was strongly influenced by buffer width, moderately influenced by vegetation characteristics and slope, and unaffected by stubble height. Six meter buffers reliably limit sediment transport from uplands to streams with shallow flows not concentrated in channels, with gentle slopes, and dense vegetation. Buffers less than 2 meters are vulnerable to higher rates of sediment delivery in moderately steep, sparsely vegetated areas. Vegetation characteristics such as biomass, cover, or density are more appropriate than stubble height for judging capacity to remove sediment from overland runoff, though stubble height may indirectly indicate livestock impacts that can affect buffer performance.
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