Conservation Buffer Initiative Benefits

Well maintained conservation buffers, depending on the width, have the capacity to:

• Reduce the sediment load in runoff up to 75 percent or more.
• Remove up to 50 percent or more of nutrient and pesticides.
• Remove up to 60 percent or more of certain pathogens.
• Protect people, crops, livestock, buildings, wildlife, and roads from wind blown soil, snow, or other material.

These percentages can be increased when well maintained conservation buffers are coupled with suitable upland treatment, such as crop residue management.

Conservation buffers offer farmers the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to a land ethic and in certain instances, to meet national, state, or local pollution control requirements.