Crop protection is provided from winds that physically injure standing crops, including lodging of the stem and sand blasting the crop. Sand blasting can wound the crop and allow disease pests to infect. Evaporation is reduced from exposed soil, allowing more moisture for crop uptake. Many crops have a very low tolerance level to wind and wind blown soil. These crops include beans, soybeans, sugarbeets, potatoes, muskmelons, and alfalfa.
Crop production is increased in the protected zone.
A unique area of protection or a microclimate is created. The various changes in crop yield and microenvironment are presented in Figure 2. Figure 2 . The generalized response of crop yield and microenvironment factors due to windspeed reduction on windward and leeward side of field windbreaks. About 1 to 2 times the windbreak height distance from the windbreak edge, crop yields are reduced due to competition with tree roots.