A ridge and clod wind erosion model

Tillage to create a cloddy, ridged soil surface in areas lacking residue or any form of vegetation cover, has been determined to be an effective method for wind erosion control. Emergency tillage during a dry, windy period creates a rough soil surface which helps reduce soil blowing until vegetative cover can be established or other more permanent control practices are adopted. A wind tunnel study on clods and ridges showed clods to be a more effective wind erosion control method than ridges. This points out the need for inclusion of clod cover as a separate and important factor in studies on wind erosion mechanics, erosion control, and estimates of^soil loss with equations such as the current USDA wind erosion equation. The data from this study verified a new erosion model under development at Texas Tech University. A conflict between the two literature reviewed was explained.