Economics of Conservation Buffers Economics of Conservation Buffers Best described as strips or small areas of land in permanent vegetation, conservation buffers help control potential pollutants and manage other environmental concerns. Buffers slow water runoff, trap sediment, and enhance water infiltration in the buffer itself. They also trap fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, pathogens, and heavy metals, minimizing the chances of these potential pollutants reaching surface water and ground water sources.
Buffers also trap snow and reduce blowing soil in areas with strong winds.
They protect livestock from harsh weather, offer a natural habitat for wildlife, and improve fish habitat. Wooded buffers can also provide a source of future income. To maximize their effectiveness in an overall conservation program, buffers should be combined with other proven conservation practices, such as conservation tillage, nutrient management, and integrated pest management. Working together, these practices will provide an effective yet profitable conservation program. Below are some resources available on the web that describe the various benefits and costs of conservation buffers.