Factors affecting wind erosion

a) Moisture:

• Blow of wind reduce because of adhesion between soil particles and water.
• It also indirectly affects wind erosion by regulating growth and development of vegetation.

b) Soil properties:

• mechanical stability of soil clods and aggregates, stability of soil and bulk density and size of erodible soil fraction affect wind erosion.

c) Wind velocity:

• Wind speed of 25 km/hr is needed for initiation of soil movement.

d) Wind turbulence:

• Impact of wind- carried particles as they strike the soil can cause erosion.

e) Surface roughness:

• Rough soil surface is less prone to wind erosion.

f) Vegetation:

• Rows of vegetation and stubble mulch that run perpendicular to prevailing wind can reduce wind erosion.