Agricultural chemical contamination of surface and groundwater is a special concern in the Midwest. Nutrient loads to surface waters in this region are among the highest in the country, and contamination of surface and groundwater occurs from a variety of pesticides. In addition to improved farming systems that incorporate Best Management Practices and reduced inputs of nutrients and pesticides, the creation of buffer strips and other off-field sinks for chemical contaminants near their origin offers great promise for minimizing surface and groundwater contamination. In the Corn Belt, one of the most promising off-field strategies for reducing contamination of surface and groundwater is the restoration of wetlands in agricultural watersheds, specifically as sinks for agricultural chemical contaminants
