Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Northwest Sustainable Agroecosystems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #85738
Title: CONTROLLING SOIL EROSION FROM FARMLAND IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Author
item STETLER, LARRY - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item HORNING, LANCE - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV.
item Saxton, Keith

Submitted to: ASAE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Wind erosion of soil, including emissions of fine dust, from dryland and irrigated farmland is a concern for many growers in the Pacific Northwest. Controlling erosion presently ranks as a priority issue among grower and consumer groups alike, with policy shifts trending toward suggesting alterations in traditional farming practices to minimize erosion potential. Simultaneous measurements of three primary variables -- intrinsic soil properties, field surface conditions, and climate -- are being acquired at 3 field sites on the Columbia Plateau along with additional data from a portable wind tunnel. Analyses indicate a complex interaction of trends exist in these variables that impact potential and actual soil erodibility. The data indicate that as soil erosion is reduced, dust emissions are also reduced. Changes in timing or type of tillage has a direct impact on surface conditions and are an effective tool to combat soil erosion.