Depending on where you are in Missouri, streams and streambeds can look very different. In the Ozarks region of Missouri streambeds are dominated by gravel, cobble, and boulders. In the northern plains and bootheel regions of Missouri streambeds are dominated by gravel, sand, and woody debris. The streambed makes up the habitat for aquatic life. Sediment can become a problem when excessive water runoff erodes landscapes and deposits excessive amounts of sediment, mainly in the form of silt and sand, in streambeds. Pools and the spaces between the gravel, cobble, and boulders get filled with the fine silt and sand blocking the aquatic life from the spaces they used for habitat.
Sediment can also carry pollutants. Pesticides, herbicides, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and other contaminants are applied to the landscape. These compounds bind with sediment and when it rains can be picked up by water runoff and carried into streams.
The Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program assists farmers and landowners with soil and water conservation by providing partial reimbursement for a number management practices. These voluntary practices are designed to address areas such as grazing, irrigation, woodland, pest and nutrient management, animal waste, ground and surface water, and soil erosion.