Assessment of phosphorus retention efficiency of blanket peat buffer areas using a laboratory flume approach

► Laboratory flumes were used for the assessment of phosphorus retention efficiency of blanket peat forest buffer area (BPFBA). ► Vegetation and hydraulic loadings are important factors for BPFBA design. ► Traditional buffer zones with a width of 15-20 m are likely to be too small for efficient P retention. ► Seeded vegetation showed the ability to uptake added P from pore water within few days after adding P-rich overland flows. ► Seeding mini buffers might be a feasible mean of increasing onsite P retention.