The National Conservation Buffer Initiative continues to pick up momentum. More and more research is suggesting that buffers effectively keep many potential pollutants from entering streams and rivers. Recent studies report that buffers may remove 90 percent or more of the sediment and nitrate contained in runoff. Cost-sharing also is available through most of these programs. Earlier this year, USDA released a new package of incentives for the continuous CRP sign-up.
Buffers work best when incorporated into resource management systems.