Just the other day Adam emailed us about a school project. He was researching wind and erosion on farms. His questions and our answers are below.
1) Do you experience soil loss from wind storms?
It is our experience this happens very slowly over many years but does happen. During dust storms, dust devils and high wind storms you can see and feel the dirt in the air.
2) If you do experience soil loss from wind storms what actions do you take to reduce soil erosion?
We utilize “cover crops” to help with soil erosion. Cover crops help in times of heavy rains and extreme dry to “cover” the soil and protect it from the elements. The roots from the cover crop also hold the soils in place reducing runoff and erosion.
3) If you do experience soil loss from wind storms, what costs are associated from the loss?
Soil is a very precious commodity that takes years and years to rebuild. In addition to cover crops - farming and ranching help to add nutrients and biomass back into the soils. This takes time.
4) Has anything happened at your farm due to wind storms that would be interesting to note?
In farming we are always dealing with the weather. Extremes exist and we must plan for and contend with these extremes. Our success today determines our future success and we work hard every day to protect that future!