What is a Conservation Buffer?

In short, buffers are a common sense way to protect the environment and demonstrate a commitment to conservation.        They're best described as a small area or strip of land in permanent vegetation that's designed to slow water runoff, improve water and air quality, provide shelter, and stabilize areas next to streams, lakes, and rivers.       Below are four examples of conservation buffers.  To learn how to add these practices to your farm operation, visit the Conservation Reserve Program page on the NRCS's website at  www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/crp/. Grass Waterway These strips of grass are planted on areas of fields where water is concentrated as it runs through or off the fields.  They are used primarily to prevent and control gully erosion.  They are also used to act as a filter, trapping sediment and other pollutants.       Filter Strip A strip of vegetation used to slow water runoff from a field.  These strips trap sediment, fertilizer nutrients, synthetic pesticides and herbicides, pathogens and other pollutants before they reach a river, lake or stream.  Riparian Buffer This buffer acts in a similar manner to the grass Filter Strip.  However, it utilizes streamside plantings of trees and shrubs that provide habitat for wildlife, reduce water temperature, and sequester carbon from our atmosphere.  Field Windbreak This practice involves 2 or more rows of evergreen trees to reduce soil  erosion from wind, protect field crops and livestock, and conserve soil moisture.