The best protection against wind erosion is a good protective cover of growing plants or residue. If no cover exists, farmers have no practical choice except emergency control by using tillage or mulching. Once soil drifting has started, it is difficult to stop damage. Prompt action may prevent a small blow spot from spreading to the entire field or other fields. Choosing the specific emergency measures depends on the seriousness of the erosion, susceptibility of the particular soil to erosion, and the duration of the needed protection.
Erosion usually starts at the same spot in fields each year.
Protecting these sites may prevent more widespread damage. You can control wind erosion by mulching with manure or plant material such as straw, hay or corn stalks. About 2,300 to 2,500 pounds per acre of plant residue is needed to control areas which already have considerable wind erosion. Residue can be spread by hand or manure spreader. Small rectangular bales of straw 15 to 20 feet apart and spread over about a 40-foot distance will give adequate residue coverage.