Overview
Emergency Wind Erosion Measures
Emergency wind erosion measures are critical tools for landholders facing bare or vulnerable soils during high-risk periods such as drought, fire recovery, post-harvest, or overstocking. These temporary solutions aim to stabilise the soil surface until vegetation or crop cover can be re-established, minimising topsoil loss, production setbacks, and damage to infrastructure.
The goal of emergency treatments is to reduce wind velocity at ground level by roughening the surface, increasing clod formation, and, where necessary, incorporating clay to bind loose sandy soils. Choosing the right approach depends heavily on soil texture—especially clay content—and site conditions. Options include clay spreading, delving, ripping, strip cultivation, and, in some cases, doing nothing to preserve protective “armouring” on sandy soils.
Implementing these techniques requires understanding soil properties, using the right machinery, and timely action before significant erosion sets in. Some interventions, like clay spreading, offer both immediate and long-term soil health benefits, including improved fertility and moisture retention.
Protecting infrastructure from soil drift, planning ahead for wet-season planting, and avoiding unnecessary disturbance during vulnerable periods are also essential components of an effective emergency erosion management strategy.
By selecting the appropriate treatment based on soil type and timing, landholders can reduce the immediate threat of erosion and build long-term landscape resilience.
