Shelterbelts for protection of soil and crOPS - Part 1

Fine sands and silt soils with minimal crop residue or living crop cover are the most vulnerable to wind erosion. In the longer term, wind erosion can reduce soil productivity, while in the shorter term, crops may be damaged. Shelterbelts, or windbreaks, are single or multiple rows of trees grown around the edge of farm fields or farm buildings to protect soil, crops, livestock and buildings.

Wind erosion is a function of wind speed. By reducing wind speed, shelterbelts reduce soil erosion and trap eroding soil particles. A 10% reduction in wind speed can result in a 28% decrease in soil erosion. Reducing the wind speed by 20% can reduce erosion by more than 49%. Consider combining shelterbelts with other soil erosion BMPs to minimize soil erosion.

For maximum effectiveness, windbreaks should be oriented at right-angles to the prevailing winds. More information on the planning and planting of shelterbelts is available in the BMP publication "Establishing Tree Cover, the 2nd volume in the Agroforestry series.

By reducing wind speed, shelterbelts reduce soil erosion and trap eroding soil particles

By reducing wind speed, shelterbelts reduce soil erosion and trap eroding soil particles.

Fine sands and silt soils with minimal crop residue or living crop cover are the most vulnerable to wind erosion

Fine sands and silt soils with minimal crop residue or living crop cover are the most vulnerable to wind erosion.


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca