Soil is the single most valuable natural resource to agriculture. When wind protection is provided, evapo-transpiration is reduced, soil moisture is retained longer and soils tend to blow less. Based on 50 studies compiled by John Kort, Agriculture Canada, Saskatchewan, Canada. 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.