Field Windbreak
Learn about field windbreaks, including primary Field Office Technical Guide practices, primary purposes, key design elements, and tree/shrub species requirements.
Description
One or more windbreaks or shelterbelts of closely spaced trees and/or shrubs planted perpendicular to the prevailing troublesome winds. "Wind shadows" created to the leeward side of these barriers achieve desired purposes. A single windbreak may consist of one to many rows to insure adequate density of branches, stems and leaves.
Some Primary FOTG Practices for this System
- Conservation Crop Rotation (328)
- Residue Management (329, 344)
- Cross Wind Ridges (588)
- Cross Wind Trap Strips (589C)
- Herbaceous Wind Barrier (603)
- Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (380)
- Mulching (484)
- Irrigation System (441), Irrigation Water Management (449)
- Nutrient Management (590)
- Pest Management (595)
Primary Purposes
Reduce wind velocity in the wind shadow area to: 1) control wind erosion, 2) deposit snow uniformly, 3) increase crop quality and production, and 4) improve water use efficiency.
Key Design Elements
35-60% density barriers (during the erosion period) with the windbreaks at intervals across a field from 5H to 20H (agricultural fields between windbreaks are generally greater than 200 feet wide).
Tree/Shrub Species Requirements
- Adapted to the soil and climate of the planting site.
- Low to moderate root and crown spread to minimize competition with adjacent crops.
- Resistance to pests and herbicides.
- Resistance to stem and branch breakage from high winds, ice, snow.