Agroforestry practices: windbreaks

Publication date: 03/06/2019
Extent: 18 pages

Contributions by: Gary Wyatt, Amanda Sames, and Diomy S. Zamora, University of Minnesota, USA

Chapter synopsis: Windbreaks, also known as vegetative environmental buffers (VEB) or shelterbelts, are a common feature of agricultural systems around the world. These strips of trees, shrubs, and other perennial or annual vegetation perform a number of functions, including providing protection from the wind for homesteads, livestock, and crops; reducing soil erosion; providing protection from drifting snow; providing wildlife habitat; and enhancing aesthetics in agricultural landscapes. This chapter offers an overview of the benefits of windbreaks and examines the process of tree and shrub selection and planting. The chapter looks at designing windbreaks to reduce wind speed and snow drift, as well as describing the use of windbreaks for particulate capture, odor mitigation, and wildlife conservation. Finally, the chapter looks at future research trends in this area and offers detailed suggestions for further reading on the subject.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2018.0041.02