For low residue crops like potatoes, wind erosion protection can be provided in a number of ways. Rows of tall growing crops such as corn or sunflowers can be planted at some multiple of tillage equipment widths. After harvest, small grain straw can be blown onto the field or in the areas most subject to blowing. If the potatoes are harvested in late August or early September, rye can be planted as a cover crop. Tree rows and wildlife shrub plantings around the perimeter of center pivots can be seen in some areas because they are a proven wind erosion tool.
Maximum protection is needed on the north and west sides.
Shrubs that are short enough for the pivot to go over can be planted in the middle of the field to provide protection. Every field applicator and nurse tank should be equipped with an emergency breakaway valve. It prevents an uncontrolled release of anhydrous ammonia by separating and stopping the flow of ammonia before excessive tension is placed on the nurse tank hose. Without a breakaway valve, the connecting hose will burst as the nurse tank falls back, allowing anhydrous ammonia to rush out of the broken hose. When this happens, close the valves on the nurse tank hose and nitrolator, then use the bleeder valves to bleed off anhydrous trapped in the hose and nitrolator.