CBF has long called for greater use of conservation practices on farms throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
But what are these practices and how will they help protect the Bay?
Conservation practices, frequently called best management practices, or BMPs, are tools that farmers can use to reduce soil and fertilizer runoff, properly manage animal waste, and protect water and air quality on their farms. Often these tools can help improve a farmer's bottomline as well by reducing operational costs.
The five most cost-effective conservation practices include:
- Streamside Buffers
- Streamside Fencing
- Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs)
- Continuous No-Till
- Cover Crops
These practices reduce the most amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus per dollar spent.
It is estimated that widespread use of these five priority practices on Bay region farms could reduce the amount of nitrogen pollution going into the Bay from nonpoint sources by as much as 60 percent. That's why these practices are so important. Well-managed farms can be among the Bay's best friends.

Streamside Buffers
Streamside buffers are areas bordering stream banks that are taken out of crop production or pasture use and planted with native trees, shrubs, or grasses. These buffers are at least 35 feet wide on either side of a stream, and filter and absorb runoff pollution such as excess fertilizer before it can reach streams. The buffers also help shade streams and provide food and homes for wildlife.
Streamside Fencing

Streamside fencing keeps livestock and their waste out of farm streams, thereby reducing pollution and erosion and helping prevent the spread of waterborne disease.
Nutrient Management Plans

Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) help a farmer know how much and when fertilizers should be used on crops. By developing and using the nutrient management plan, farmers can minimize fertilizer costs and reduce nutrient runoff into local waterways.
Continuous No-Till

Continuous no-till (also known as conservation tillage) reduces erosion and runoff by minimizing soil disturbances. This practice also builds the soil's health and its ability to hold moisture. Traditional plowing and tilling, on the other hand, disturbs the soil, leaving it unprotected and allows more erosion to occur.
Cover Crops

Cover crops are planted to absorb excess fertilizer left in fields after the main crop is harvested.

Cover crops help reduce runoff and erosion and enrich the soil with organic matter.
(Left: before cover crops; Right: after cover crops)
Conservation practices, frequently called best management practices, or BMPs, are tools that farmers can use to reduce soil and fertilizer runoff, properly manage animal waste, and protect water and air quality on their farms. Often these tools can help improve a farmer's bottomline as well by reducing operational costs.
Stories About Best Management Practices
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A Watershed Moment
May 31, 2019
The Bay's recovery is fragile. And we are at a pivotal time to save the Bay.
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What You Need to Know about Pennsylvania’s Clean Water Blueprint
May 10, 2019
Pennsylvania’s waters have been slowly improving, but the state is still falling far short of meeting its pollution reduction and local water quality goals.
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5 Things to Know about Maryland’s Clean Water Blueprint
May 7, 2019
Maryland's Clean Water Blueprint must get Maryland to the reductions necessary to meet its commitment to the 2010 federal “Total Maximum Daily Load.”
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What You Need to Know about Virginia’s Clean Water Blueprint
April 30, 2019
Virginia’s Clean Water Blueprint (also known as the the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan) is the single most important road map to restoring Virginia’s waterways
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Farmer Profiles: Dave Graybill
April 4, 2019
“You have to control the good things in your environment.”
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Stewardship Event Emphasizes the Value of Conservation Practices and Partnerships
December 19, 2018
Visitors on hay wagons rode through rolling hills of corn, cover crops, and contour strips under a blazing sun in Juniata County, to get a closer look and to learn about conservation efforts through farmers' eyes.
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This Week in the Watershed: A Win for the Bay
December 14, 2018
At first glance, the federal Farm Bill, full of wonky agriculture policy and programs with countless acronyms, doesn't appear to have a connection with the health of the Bay and its rivers and streams.
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CBF Brings Bedford Farmers to the Bay
August 22, 2018
Last July, 10 farmers from the base of Virginia's Blue Ridge mountains in Bedford County spent an eye-opening weekend on islands in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay during CBF's latest Farmers to the Bay excursion.
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This Week in the Watershed: Best Bang for Our Buck
July 6, 2018
The least expensive ways to fight pollution also targets the largest source of pollution—agricultural runoff.
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This Week in the Watershed: Investing in Clean Water
June 8, 2018
When Virginia's General Assembly adjourned in March, there was one item unresolved. There was deadlock on the state budget. But following a lengthy special session, it's clear there is something legislators all agree on: clean water.
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