Introduction
Light soils such as peaty and light sandy soils are particularly at risk from wind erosion.  Prior to crop cover being developed seedbeds can be eroded and, in extreme cases soil blow can result in seed and seedlings in topsoil layers being blown away. Seedlings and young plant leaves can be damaged by soil particles.

Where land is at risk from wind erosion, risk can be minimised by small field size surrounded by wind breaks, using quickly established cover crops so land is not left bare, increasing SOM by incorporation of cover crops, FYM, compost etc.  Land cultivations should ideally only be carried out shortly before planting.  On highly susceptible fields, the use of synthetic stabilisers can help to minimise wind erosion. The use of fleece can protect newly planted crops.

Wind erosion as it applies to different sectors...

Potatoes
Prior to the crop canopy being developed, on sandy soils wind can erode drills and level furrows.  Where land is at risk from wind erosion, the risk can be minimised by small field size surrounded by wind breaks, using quickly established cover crops so land is not left bare, increasing organic matter by incorporation of cover crops, FYM, compost etc. Ideally, land cultivations should only be carried out shortly before planting.  On fields highly susceptible to wind erosion, the use of fleece may protect newly planted crops.

Horticulture
Light soils such as peaty and light sandy soils are particularly at risk from wind erosion. Seedbeds can be eroded and, in extreme cases soil, blow can result in seed and seedlings in topsoil layers being blown away. Seedlings and young plant leaves can be abraded by soil particles. Where salad crops are grown on peaty soils soil can be blown into the hearts, affecting marketability.  Growing crops in fields protected by shelter belts and the use of windbreak materials around crop areas can help to prevent wind erosion. The use of cover crops, straw or companion planting with cereals planted in between the rows in small seeded drilled crops such as carrots, parsnips and alliums as a barrier can prevent wind erosion.  Crops may be grown through mulches and crop covers can also help to prevent erosion.  Increasing soil organic matter levels can help to stabilise soils.

Cereals and Oilseeds
Surface vegetation, trash and roots prevent the erosive action of  wind. Overall wind erosion is not seen as a particular problem for combinable crops.

Sugar
Soil losses from wind erosion can be environmentally and economically damaging on peaty soils and light land in spring. The key to reducing wind erosion is to slow down the wind. Shelter belts help, but must be maintained correctly, so that they filter the wind and do not have an open bottom. Where there are problems of wind erosion trash from previous crop should always be left on the soil surface; on fields where wind erosion is severe a nurse crop should be considered.

The presence of surface undulations is key to minimising wind erosion and the standard technique in many areas is 'plough - press- and cross drill', (promising responses have also been achieved by reticulated rolling (Aqueel) on severely erosion prone soils). However, should crops be grown on soils where wind erosion is likely, rolling wet soil and then using a tined cultivator as the soil dries to leave a cloddy surface can also be effective, but may affect crop growth.

Mulching the soil after drilling with slurry or other organic materials can provide effective control of wind erosion as can synthetic stabilisers, which will also prevent capping, however these are expensive and generally used only on vegetable crops.

See also: Beet growers guide, sugar beet portal, Beet review magazine

Pigs
The light soils used for pig keeping can be prone to wind blow.  The best way of minimising the risk of wind erosion is by maintaining a good cover crop such as grass.

Web
Defra - http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/land/soil/pdf/soilerosion-combinedleaflets.pdf 
Controlling soil erosion: incorporating former advisory leaflets on grazing livestock, wind, outdoor pigs and the uplands, 2005.

www.Environmentsensitivefarming.co.uk Links to PPT presentations on erosion control

Publications
Defra

Workshops/practical
SMI
ESF
Courses - Cranfield - Short course erosion control