When annual plants such as corn, sorghum, or millet are used for barriers, the plants must be in place during the critical erosion period in order to be effective. In Colorado, the critical erosion period from wind is generally from November through April. Consequently, such annual barriers need to be planted in May or June and left undisturbed through the following April. Ridging as an effective barrier. Here a deep furrow drill creates ideal ridges.
Ridges Ridging the soil surface can also be an effective practice.
Ridges absorb and deflect wind energy and trap moving soil particles. Ridges 4 inches high spaced 16 inches apart will provide optimum protection if oriented correctly. Soil texture determines, to a great extent, the effectiveness and persistence of ridging. Silt loams, loams, and clay loams consolidate well with tillage and hold ridges against wind, rain, and snow impacts. Sandy loams, loamy sands, and coarse sands are easy to till into ridges but the ridges deteriorate quickly.