Wind erosion does more than remove valuable topsoil. It also removes the organic matter that holds the soil together and retains soil moisture, while improving its tilth and structure. Soils that have lost much of their organic material become even more susceptible to wind erosion. Organic matter 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, annual barriers, proper residue management and crop rotations.
Cover crops are an important component of the system.
The sole purpose of a cover crop is to protect the bare, erosion-prone land from the wind. They are usually seeded after the harvest of a low-residue crop such as potatoes or in the spring to protect the soil until the new crop has grown enough to protect the land. Fall rye is the most commonly-used cover crop, although other cereals such as wheat, barley, and oats are also used. A fall cover crop must grow enough before freeze-up to provide protection to the soil. The latest recommended seeding date for fall cover crops will vary depending on the weather, but used September 15 th as a general guideline.