We need a lot more protection of erosion-prone land than we have. Windbreaks are an important component of this effort to control wind erosion.
Strong winds can stir up trouble for farmers in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin.
Every year, according to area estimates, high speed gusts sweep several million tons of soil from cropland, scattering seeds and sandblasting fields. To protect against these windy forces, farmers can use nature to their advantage by planting or maintaining windbreaks. These long stretches of trees surrounding fields create natural barriers to wind that can reduce soil erosion, protect crops, and increase crop yields. The result, says David, is that the region has lost track of one of its best natural defenses against wind. Windbreaks are an important component of this effort to control wind erosion.