Options for Emergency Wind Control

Spring has sprung and soils are drying rapidly. Historically we usually see the highest, sustained wind speeds in the first few weeks of May. Gusty winds during a storm or just high winds can move soil. If the soil is dry, loose and bare there is a good chance that some of it is on the move and with it your valuable soil fertility! Control erosion early to prevent crop damage and further soil blowing. Watch areas like sandy knolls, headlands, roadways and other traffic areas for the early signs of soil movement.

Ideally there should be a program of cover crops or grass windstrips, tree windbreaks etc. in place for wind control, but unplanned changes in land and rotations can throw you some surprises. Oat or barley interseeds are possible, particularly on muck soils but if you want to create wind strips from oats or barley it is too late for the early May planted crops. Spring cereal wind strips may still have a place for late May and June planted crops.

Here are some options to consider: