Shelterbelt/Windbreak

Shelterbelt and windbreaks are row(s) of trees planted in the land at right angle to the prevailing wind direction and hence they reduce the velocity of wind and as a result reduce evaporation and prevent soil erosion. There is no consistent agreement in the difference between these two terms. However, shelterbelt is mostly used to describe wind barriers around the agricultural land and pastures while the term windbreaks describe wind barrier around the building, garden and orchard.

Advantages of shelterbelt

1. It prevents or at least reduces the velocity of wind and reduces the soil erosion of agricultural land and pasture land and more fertile land is available for agriculture.
2. It prevents or reduce evaporation and hence more water is available to the crops,
3. It reduces transpiration from the plant surfaces,
4. It moderates extreme temperatures,]
5. It provides aesthetic values in areas where tree and shrubs are scarce.,
6. It can increase the snow catch in cold climate and improve soil moisture.
7. It improves organic matter content of the soil,
8. It provides different products.

Species for shelter belts and windbreaks

1. Resistant to wind,
2. Native and introduced tree species which have proven their ability to the soil and climate of the region,
3. Trees and shrubs should exhibit rapid growth in height. They must have dense uniform crown, thrifty growth, perennial foliage and adequate height with straight stem,
4. They should have deep and strong tap root system and should not spreads to nearby agricultural crops,
5. They must be resistant to drought, heat, cold, diseases and insectpests,
6. They must have desirable character for e.g. leaves all year long or only part of the year.
7. Value for the wood or other products such as forage,
8. Easy to propagated.