Education Commons^™

G04-1537 Wind Erosion And Its Control, Drew J. Lyon, John A. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses how wind erosion occurs and presents methods for reducing wind erosion on land devoted to crop production. Wind erosion is widespread on agricultural land in the Great Plains, particularly in the semi-arid regions. Wind erosion physically removes the most fertile part of the soil (organic matter, clay, and silt) and lowers soil productivity. This loss in productivity increases the costs of producing crops. Blowing soil can reduce seedling survival and growth, depress crop yields, and increase the susceptibility of plants to certain types of stress, including diseases.