The continued loss of fine particles reduces soil quality. In shallow soils and soils with a hardpan layer, wind erosion also results in decreased root zone depth and water-holding capacity. Such changes may occur slowly and go unnoticed for many years especially if mixing by tillage masks the effects of wind erosion. Wind removes smaller soil particles and leaves rocks exposed on the surface. A sparse or absent vegetative cover, a loose, dry and smooth soil surface, large fields and strong winds all increase the risk of wind erosion.
Vegetation protects soil from wind erosion by reducing the wind speed at the soil surface.
The vegetative cover can be a growing crop, standing stubble or other crop residues. Most soils require a 30 per cent ground cover to prevent wind erosion. Highly erodible soils could require double this amount of residue. Soil texture and structure also affect wind erosion risk. Loams, clay loams and silt loams are generally more resistant to aggregate breakdown, and thus are more resistant to wind erosion.