The percentage of fallen and blemished fruit is reduced. Vegetable crops are protected from sandblasting. Increased plant performance Trials of various crops have shown that windbreaks can increase yield. Strong, hot winds increase evapotranspiration, causing moisture stress so that more frequent irrigation is required. In winter cold, dry winds cool the soil and plants slowing growth and delaying crop maturity.
Wind reduces the activity of insect pollinators.
Increased sprinkler uniformity Windy conditions can greatly reduce the uniformity of sprinkler irrigation. Investigations by Agriculture Western Australia have shown that yield variation due to poor irrigation uniformity is common on many properties. Reducing wind speeds allows irrigation systems to function more efficiently. Decreased wind erosion Bare, cultivated areas such as those during fallow periods on vegetable properties are prone to erosion by wind. Windbreaks can help alleviate this problem.