4. Discussion
Degradation of freshwater resources with nutrients and sediment as a
result of agricultural practices is a key global challenge (Novotny,
1999; Schulte et al., 2009; EEA 2018; EPA 2020). Direct cattle access to
streams also represents a point source of nutrients, sediment and
pathogens (Godwin and Miner, 1996; Belsky et al., 1999; DaviesâColley et
al., 2004; Conroy et al., 2016a; Bragina et al., 2017, Rice et al.,
2021). In this study the efficacy of fencing as a means of reducing
in-stream sediment deposition and improving stream ecological quality in
both the short and longer term has been demonstrated.