This land is generally light-textured and very prone to wind erosion. Complicating the issue is the fact that special crops produce very little crop residue to protect the soil.
Wind erosion does more than remove valuable topsoil.
It also removes the organic matter that holds the soil together and retains soil moisture, while improving its tilth and structure. Soils that have lost much of their organic material become even more susceptible to wind erosion. Organic matter also provides a kind of nutrient bank, releasing nutrients for crop use. The best way to protect erosion-prone soils is to use a complete management system including shelterbelts, annual barriers, proper residue management and crop rotations. Cover crops are an important component of the system.