Herbaceous Wind Barriers (NRCS #603)

Applicable Systems

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About

Herbaceous wind barriers¹ are narrow strips of herbaceous, non-woody plants spaced across the field perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. The goal is to reduce wind speed and avoid wind erosion, though additional benefits are possible depending on species selection and site characteristics. In areas with height restrictions such as central pivot irrigation fields, herbaceous wind barriers fit very well.

Key aspects and considerations:

Orient barriers perpendicularly to prevailing wind direction.
Ensure barriers are at least 1.5 feet in height.
Ensure within row spacing is 36 inches or less.
Establish row spacing to accommodate equipment and management operations.
Plant stiff vegetation, tolerant to soil deposition.
Choose species to minimize competition.
Plant perennial, annual, or a mix of herbaceous vegetation that are adapted to local site conditions.

Benefits and Limitations

ACRE Category	Benefits	Limitations
Soil Health	Perennial vegetation traps sediment and reduces soil erosion. Reduces wind-blown soil at heights up to 2 m². Helps to preserve soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Improves long-term soil stability.	Requires orientation perpendicular to prevailing winds.
Water Management	Reduces soil and nutrient transportation to water bodies. Improves infiltration by maintaining soil structure. Preserves water quality by filtering water and consuming excess nutrients that could otherwise contaminate water bodies³.	Does not substantially reduce concentrated flow erosion or flooding.
Nutrient Management	Reduces nutrient loss through wind erosion. Supports nutrient cycling through perennial vegetation. Conserves soil organic matter and associated nutrients.	N/A
Agricultural Production	Improves crop growth and yield³. Reduces risks in the long term, especially in areas where wind erosion is a major constraint. Reduces crop damage due to wind stress and improves plant survival and establishment. Sustains long-term productivity.	N/A
Biodiversity and Wildlife	Increases plant species diversity. May increase beneficial insect and pollinator diversity and abundance. Can enhance food and cover thus improving habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Can serve as corridors for wildlife.	Poor management may facilitate invasive weeds. Benefits depend on species selection.
GHG Emission	Increases the potential for carbon sequestration and storage in biomass. Conserves soil organic carbon by reducing erosion. Perennial vegetation is a source of continuous carbon inputs belowground. Reduces gas emissions compared to heavily fertilized and managed areas. Protects air quality by avoiding wind-born soil derived particles².	Barriers have a limited carbon sequestration because they occupy a small area. There are some emissions related to fuel usage for establishment and maintenance.
Economics	Can reduce costs with irrigation by conserving soil moisture. Increases crop yield and revenue in the long-term. May qualify for USDA conservation financial assistance programs.	Cost with the land taken out of production. There are establishment costs with seeds, planting and labor. Costs associated with nutrient supply, weed control, and removal of sediments to maintain effectiveness.

Impact on Agricultural Resilience

Herbaceous wind barriers help to reduce soil drying rates and soil temperature during the summer, and increase soil temperature in early spring⁴.
Reduce the impact of heavy rainfall by improving infiltration, reducing runoff, and disrupting concentrated flows.
Reduce soil loss especially during drought and high-wind events.
By reducing windspeed, evapotranspiration is reduced, soil retains moisture for longer periods, and crops are more resilient to drought stress.

Regional Applicability

Herbaceous wind barriers are applicable across the Midwest but are most likely to occur in areas with sloped land, such as the Driftless Area of the upper Midwest.

Resources

Video. USDA-NRCS: Herbaceous Wind Barrier
Colorado State University Extension: Wind Erosion Processes and Control
Utah State University Forest Extension: Modern Windbreaks Fight Drought

References

USDA-NRCS (2023). Conservation Practice Standard Document, Herbaceous Wind Barrier, Code 603. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/603_NHCP_CPS_Herbaceous_Wind_Barriers_2023.pdf
Grantz, D. A., Vaughn, D. L., Farber, R. J., Kim, B., Ashbaugh, L., VanCuren, T. & Campbell, R. (1998). Wind Barriers Suppress Fugitive Dust and Soil-Derived Airborne Particles in Arid Regions. Journal of Environmental Quality, 27, 946-952. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1998.00472425002700040031x
Bruce, M., Walther, D., & Briggs, J. (2008). Herbaceous Wind Barriers for Irrigated Lands in Arizona. Forage and Grain: A College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Report. College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ). http://hdl.handle.net/10150/203636
Black, A. L., & Aase, J. K. (1988). The use of perennial herbaceous barriers for water conservation and the protection of soils and crops. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 22-23, 135-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-8809(88)90014-X
USDA-NRCS (2021). Conservation Practice Overview, Herbaceous Wind Barrier (Code 603). https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Herbaceous_Wind_Barriers_603_Overview.pdf

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Herbaceous Wind Barriers photo 1 — Photo 1: Herbaceous wind barriers planted in strips.

Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS.

Herbaceous Wind Barriers photo 2 — Photo 2: Herbaceous wind barriers help to protect soil from wind erosion.

Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS.