The straw should be shredded, not used in small bales. It may have to be hairpinned with a disk implement to anchor it against the wind. Apply the straw before freeze-up because anchoring straw into the ground is very difficult once the soil is frozen. Summary Wind erosion has plagued prairie agriculture for many decades. However, with today's farming equipment and practices, wind erosion control can easily be a part of your crop and pasture management systems.
Modern equipment allows seeding into standing stubble.
Modern harvesting and residue handling equipment allows farmers to manage crop residues effectively. Under most conditions, a good crop residue cover can be maintained without hampering subsequent equipment operations or crop growth. Today's selection of planting equipment offers excellent residue clearance, depth control and packing so you can plant crops through standing stubble and spread residues. However, drought and persistent strong winds can still cause wind erosion even if preventive measures are used. Use emergency controls if wind erosion is imminent or in its early stages.