A saturated buffer is an edge-of-field conservation practice that removes nitrate from subsurface tile drainage water before it enters ditches, streams, and other surface waters. When properly sited and installed, a saturated buffer will remove nitrate whenever the tile is flowing and requires little annual maintenance to ensure effective operation.

This publication provides information from researchers across the Midwest who are addressing the benefits, costs and other issues related to saturated buffers through the "Transforming Drainage" project.