Saturated Buffers are a proven edge-of-field practices used to improve water quality.

They are located along or in a vegetated area made up of grasses, shrubs and trees, or a combination of these. They are located between the cropland field and the watercourse. While the above ground portion of a buffer reduces sediment and phosphorous carried by surface runoff, the saturated subsurface portion of the buffer, created by the distribution line, reduces nitrates making the buffer even more effective. Nitrate reductions of 50 to 90% are not uncommon when saturated buffers are implemented on tile drainage systems.

By installing water level control structures on the tile main at the field edge within the buffer, water is diverted into perforated subsurface distribution pipes which run parallel to the stream. Water is redistributed through the subsurface of the buffer creating a saturated buffer.

As the water flows through the buffer, both denitrification and uptake by the perennial plants in the buffer remove nitrates and improves the water quality of water flowing into the streams. An overflow pipe connected to the water level control structure allows bypass during times of high water flow, ensuring that no water is being backed up in the main tile line.

The water level control structure can be managed to raise and lower the water table under the buffer to allow the growing forage to utilize the nutrient-rich water.  Under this system, the buffer can reduce overland flows and sedimentation, while reducing subsurface outflows and nutrient levels.

For more information, contact our Conservation Planner, Andy Mackrill.
Phone: (800) 232-4742 or  Email: andy@ecoexch.com