Stocktake of diffuse pollution attenuation tools for New Zealand pastoral farming systems

This report summarises the current state of knowledge on attenuation tools and provides a framework for evaluating where each tool may help improve water quality.

In a paddock, nutrients and sediment are perceived as a resource promoting plant productivity, but downstream they can become pollutants. In addition to nutrient and grazing management, a range of tools are available to permanently remove or temporarily store pollutants once with are transported by water. The current suite of tools available has been reviewed by NIWA, AgResearch and Landcare Research scientists, in consultation with regional council, industry and university colleagues.

This report summarises the current state of knowledge on attenuation tools and provides a framework for evaluating where each tool may help improve water quality. The tools include: reducing hydrologic connectivity, wetlands, riparian management, drainage manipulation, sediment traps, and reactive filters such as denitrification walls.

•  Stocktake report (PDF 1.1 MB)