Vegetative filter strips factsheet

A vegetative filter strip is a permanent, plant-filled strip of land. It's built between the sloped edge of an area where you apply pesticides and the surface water where that area drains. Surface waters are bodies of water that are above ground, like rivers and lakes.

Vegetative filter strips help protect surface waters from pesticide runoff. The plants in the strip slow runoff water and filter pesticides carried in runoff.

Some pesticide labels require you to have a vegetative filter strip. Other labels recommend you use a vegetative filter strip as a best management practice. Read the label of your pesticide product for instructions on vegetative filter strips.

Vegetative filter strips vs. spray buffer zones

A vegetative filter strip and a spray buffer zone are different ways to protect the environment. You can use them together to protect sensitive habitats. A sensitive habitat is an area with plant or wildlife species that can be harmed by pesticides.

Spray buffer zones

A spray buffer zone is a space between an area you're treating with pesticides and a sensitive habitat. Spray buffer zones reduce the amount of pesticide spray that can drift into sensitive habitats.

The size of the spray buffer zone depends on the pesticide product you use and the crop. Read your pesticide label to learn what size spray buffer zone you need.

Always read the label before using a pesticide

Vegetative filter strip construction

A vegetative filter strip must be:

• built along the downslope edge of agricultural fields that drain towards surface waters
• at least 10 m wide from the edge of the field to the surface of the water
• made up of grasses, but can have other vegetation like shrubs and trees
• made up of vegetation that is:
  • hardy
  • deep-rooted
  • stiff-stemmed
  • perennial (grows every year)
  • native to the area (when possible)

Vegetative filter strip maintenance

• mow the strip occasionally so grass is at least 15 cm (6 in) high
• to avoid soil compaction, do not drive heavy machinery over the strip
• check the strip regularly for bare spots, especially after heavy rainfall, irrigation and snowmelt and repair any damaged areas
• remove built up soil from the strip

Learn more

For more information, search online for "PMRA runoff mitigation".

If you need more information about vegetative filter strips, please contact Pest Management Information Service at pmra.info-arla@hc-sc.gc.ca.