Shelterbelt planting reduces wind erosion damage in western Oklahoma
1938
Stoeckeler, J.H.
Shelterbelt planting has been used for over 30 years as a means of reducing wind erosion on agricultural land in Greer County, Oklahoma. It was found most feasible on the sandy soils, chiefly on the miles and associated series of similar texture and crop adaptability. The windbreaks were generally parallel single rows of cottonwood or mulberry planted in an east-west direction at right angles to the most damaging prevailing winds. Cotton responded especially well to protection of tree belts. A wind erosion control program involving use of tree planting combined with strip cropping is described. The design and width of shelterbelts depends on the soils and agricultural crops grown and must be varied accordingly. Trees cannot be expected to live indefinitely on the Great Plains and even on the more favorable soils must be replaced at intervals of 30 to 50 years. Although some cases of regeneration from sprouts or natural seeding have been observed, it is the writer's opinion that this second crop of trees or sprouts will not attain the ultimate height or longevity of the first crop because of exhaustion of the deeply stored (6 to 25 feet) subsoil moisture by the first tree crop. Shelterbelt planting is not a panacea for any and all wind erosion problems, but it certainly is feasible in those areas where trees will grow successfully and where benefits derived in crop and soil protection, wood products obtained, and increase in sales value of the farm justify the expenditure involved in planting and aftercare.
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