To create multifunctional buffer strips along a watercourse in an economically sustainable way requires consideration of many different factors. In this plan we have selected pollutant reduction as the main purpose of the buffer strip. We have also strived to achieve minimal income loss due to reduced production, increased biological diversity, good game preservation that leads to higher income from hunting, aesthetical satisfaction and possibility to profit from available subsidies. This is done mainly to make landowners/farmers more interested in creating buffer strips along water courses.

As sand is the dominant type of soil in the area, the water course is less affected by surface runoff compared to if the soil would be clay or some other finer texture. Game preservation and subsidies have therefore been the main factors when establishing the width of the strip, because these require wider buffer strips in some cases. Most of the buffer strips have been left as fallow fields and multilayered vegetation systems have been strived for. This means combined tree, bush and grass/herb zones. To

be allowed to plant bushes on a fallow field and also receive subsidies we suggest that perennial energy plants should be planted in some parts of the buffer strips. Perennial energy plants have several benefits, such as income when harvested and game preservation. In addition we have suggested planting and self rejuvenation of the local trees and bushes.