Saturated buffers enhance on-farm conservation efforts

Brian Parkinson is helping to mend the mighty Mississippi. The Reynolds, Ill., farmer has invested in a suite of conservation practices aimed at keeping nutrients out of America’s great river.

A longtime no-tiller, Parkinson has installed grass waterways, filter strips and stream buffers to cut runoff. He eliminated fall nitrogen applications and is learning to grow cover crops. Recently, Parkinson heard about a new way to clean up subsurface drainage water — a saturated buffer — and thought it would fit well on his farm.

Read the full article here.

1. drainage water management
2. nitrate
3. nitrate removal
4. saturated buffer
5. water control structure
6. water quality