Filter strips are vegetative strips that protect water quality by intercepting runoff from agricultural fields. Riparian herbaceous cover is a similar practice that can also be useful to people grazing livestock.
What it does for you
Protects stream and river banks.
Reduces soil erosion.
Encourages wildlife usage.
Protects ditch banks and reduces sedimentation.
May provide income through USDA cost-share programs.
The major perceived cost of buffers is the removal of land from agricultural production; however, these areas may be flash grazed and not decrease production of a livestock operation.
Native species of vegetation are preferred by wildlife, but these species may not be the best for water quality.
Some costs (seed, fencing, alternative water development) can be recovered through USDA programs.
The width of buffer strips needs to be increased on steeper farm land.
Loss of land may not be costly if the area is low yielding due to shade, compaction or wildlife damage.