Thirty Years of Research on Vegetative Buffer Strips: Ecological Functions, Evolution, and Environmental Effectiveness

The global environmental crisis has reached a critical point, demanding immediate action to address the pollution threatening ecosystem health. Terms such as “low-carbon agriculture,” “bioeconomy,” and “ecosystem services” are gaining prominence, reflecting the growing social appeal for solutions that minimize the impact of human activities on the planet. In this context, buffer strips emerge as an effective strategy to combat contamination of water and land resources. This study comprehensively analyzes these vegetative strips strategically positioned between pollution sources and water bodies, highlighting their evolution, functions, and effectiveness in pollutant mitigation. Initially, buffer strips were designed to reduce soil erosion and preserve water quality in agricultural areas. However, subsequent studies have expanded their role to include biodiversity promotion, pollutant mitigation, and application in urban environments. This shift reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and the urgency of sustainable solutions, underscoring the importance of vegetative strips in environmental management and the continuous need for research and innovation.