**6. Case study: the influence of riparian buffer on the evolution of soil properties**

#### **6.1 Design of the riparian buffer and climate considerations**

The riparian buffer in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, resides along William Creek for approximately 630 meters (2070 ft). Williams Creek is a third order stream that experiences flooding annually. The riparian buffer is 23 meters (75 ft) in depth and is composed of native deciduous trees, shrubs with herbaceous understories. Additionally, 8 meters (25 ft) if interior buffer is composed of warm season grasses. The stand age is approximately 18 years. The adjacent agriculture field typically has a corn (Zea mays) – soybean (Glycine max) rotation.

The mean annual temperature is approximately 13°C (56°F), and mean annual precipitation is approximately 1.12 mm (44 inches). Rainfall is typically greater from March to May; however, Gulf of Mexico weather events may provide heavy rain events from June to October. The growing season is approximately 210 days.
