Forage fields can also be damaged by wind erosion. The greatest risk is when the fields are broken up with heavy disks and plows to convert them to annual crop production for weed control and stand rejuvenation. Direct seeding of forages, cereals and oilseeds into forage stands is the best way to reduce the erosion risk from forage conversion. Crops can be direct seeded into a forage stand after the stand has been killed with a herbicide. Fall spraying, usually with glyphosate, provides good suppression of forage plants.
Research shows equal or better yields compared to using tillage.
Protecting pastures Overgrazing reduces long-term pasture productivity and leaves soil prone to erosion. Grazing must be managed to leave adequated plant cover. In general, for perennial pastures under continuous grazing, leave about 50 per cent of the current growth for native range and about 25 percent for tame pastures. Shelterbelts Field shelterbelts can provide extra protection against wind erosion no matter what cropping system is used. They are especially important in dry years when low crop yields result in insufficient residue cover.