Buffer strips are beneficial for reducing which of the following?

Buffer strips play a significant role in reducing phosphorus transport. These strips, usually composed of grasses or other vegetation, are strategically placed between agricultural fields and water bodies. They act as a filter system where the plants can absorb, stabilize, and trap nutrients, particularly phosphorus, before they can enter water systems. This is crucial in preventing the water pollution associated with excessive nutrient runoff, which can lead to algal blooms and degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

When rainfall or irrigation occurs, phosphorus, which is often attached to soil particles, can wash away from fields into nearby waterways. Buffer strips minimize this loss by encouraging infiltration and capturing sediment-bound phosphorus, as well as helping to slow down water movement. This carefully managed vegetative interface thus significantly decreases the amount of phosphorus that reaches waterways, promoting healthier water quality.

In contrast, while buffer strips can have some indirect benefits regarding pesticide application, nitrate runoff, and soil compaction, their primary function and effectiveness have been most clearly demonstrated in reducing phosphorus transport, making that the correct focus in this context.