Controlling Wind Erosion

Suspended soil particles can be carried by the wind for great distances. Coarser particles will be bounced along by the wind. This process is called saltation. The particles bounce along the soil surface dislodging more particles as they fall and strike the ground. Surface creep refers to a process where larger particles roll the direction of the wind. The amount of soil eroded by wind is influenced by wind speed, soil texture, soil moisture and ground cover. Removing fence rows and trees windbreaks to make room for large machinery can make soil more prone to wind erosion, unless soil conservation practices are applied.

Wind erosion starts when the force of the wind overcomes gravity. Soil is carried by the wind in three ways - suspension, saltation and surface creep.

Crop quality and yields can be greatly affected by wind-blown soil. In extreme cases, the crop must be re-seeded at great cost and delayed maturity.

Wind blown soil can make driving hazardous and living conditions unbearable.

Blackened snowdrifts along a field's edge are stark evidence of wind erosion. Excessive tillage and lack of crop residues or cover crops often lead to this problem.

A vegetative wind barrier in horticulture crops is an innovative way to reduce wind damage. Tender, young tomato plants are protected by narrow rows of cereal grains planted between beds.

Wind erosion results from high winds blowing across dry, unprotected soil.

Well-planned and maintained windbreaks reduce wind erosion and increase crop productivity. Other benefits include reduced heating and cooling costs, livestock protection, enhanced beauty and better wildlife habitat.

The best soil conservation package could involve a variety of good management practices such as strip cropping for wind erosion control, crop rotations and reduced tillage.

Careful planting, followed by good weed control and watering in the early years, will get a tree windbreak off to a good start.

For more information, refer to these Best Management Practices books:

• Horticulture Crops
• Field Crop Protection
• Farm Forestry and Habitat Management

Best Management Practices: A First Look