Effect of Grasses and Soil Properties on Wind Erosion in Sand Blowouts

Abstract

Many areas where wind erosion has been severe exist on the sandy rangeland in northcentral and western Nebraska. These areas are called "blowouts," and because of their large number and sometimes large size, forage production in the area is significantly reduced. It is necesary to reestablish vegetation on the blowouts in order to effectively manage the rangeland where they occur. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of eight species of grass in revegetating the blowouts and in controlling wind erosion in them. The major factors related to stabilizing the soil surface in the blowouts were the amount of vegetative cover produced by the grasses and the length of time required for the protective cover to become established. In most cases the more vigorous rhizome producing grasses were most effective in becoming rapidly established and controlling wind erosion. However, none of the grasses studied were as effective in controlling wind erosion as was a mulch of prairie hay. A significant negative correlation existed between soil organic matter content and movement of sand by wind.