Wind erosion does more than remove valuable topsoil. It also removes the organic matter that holds the soil together and conserves moisture, while improving its tilth and structure. Soils that have lost much of their organic material become even more susceptible to wind erosion. It also provides a kind of nutrient bank, releasing nutrients for crop use. The best way to protect erosion-prone soils is to use a complete management system including shelterbelts, cover crops, proper residue management and crop rotations.
Annual barriers can also be a component of the system.
The most common species for annual barriers is silage corn, although sunflowers are also popular. Plant the barriers in the spring or early summer to allow the plants to mature before the time comes to harvest the special crop. Barriers may be planted before, during, or after planting the special crop. For corn, plant the belt before June 30. When properly used, annual barriers will protect the soil from wind erosion after the harvest of a special crop and before the next crop is mature enough to protect the soil itself the following spring.