Overview
Wind Erosion Management
Wind erosion poses a major threat to agricultural productivity and land value across the Limestone Coast, particularly due to its sandy soils and flat landscapes. This guide supports landholders with practical approaches to reduce and manage wind erosion, helping protect vital topsoil and maintain long-term land resilience.
Around 26% of the Limestone Coast region is inherently susceptible to wind erosion. When vegetation cover is lost through overgrazing, cultivation, drought, or poor planning, the exposed sandy soils can be rapidly stripped away—losing 10–12 tonnes of soil per hectare in just minutes under high wind conditions. This results in lost nutrients, reduced crop and pasture productivity, infrastructure damage, and increased operational costs for remediation.
This resource outlines preventative strategies such as maintaining adequate ground cover, using no-till farming methods, strategic fencing, and adjusting grazing practices. It also includes practical advice for stabilising already-eroded areas through clay spreading, re-seeding, and physical barriers.
By understanding erosion risks and applying the right management practices, landholders can significantly reduce soil loss, safeguard farm infrastructure, and sustain soil health into the future.
