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. Emergency controls include ripping the soil to bring up clods, listing to change the shape of the soil surface, and covering the soil with manure or straw.
Wind erosion is a serious problem which threatens the long-term productivity of prairie soils.
By using appropriate conservation farming techniques, you can reduce wind erosion under most conditions. The soil is a precious resource which needs your protection. Control wind erosion with a crop residue cover and shelterbelts. Contact your local Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development or Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada office for more information and other publications on wind erosion control direct seeding, shelterbelts residue management and grazing management. Information provided by the late John Timmermans and Frank Larney.