Impact of field windbreaks on visual appearance of agricultural lands

A sample of 1,500 farmers and 2,000 non-farmers were surveyed during 2005–2006 to examine the impact of field windbreaks on visual appearance of agricultural lands in Iowa, USA. About 73% of respondents indicated that field windbreaks diversified visual appearance of agricultural landscapes, whereas 67% of these respondents thought that windbreaks made agricultural lands visually more appealing. An improved aesthetics of the area was fourth most frequently mentioned reason for planting field windbreaks reported by 21% of respondents. When compared to other windbreak benefits, however, improved aesthetics of agricultural landscapes was ranked as the least important windbreak benefit. Majority of respondents (50%) preferred groups of trees planted in straight rows followed by groups of trees nested between agricultural fields (23%), groups of trees planted in non-straight rows (20%), and single trees dispersed between fields (7%). Respondents preferred windbreaks that were tall, wide, long, and continuous. Most of them (74%) preferred field windbreaks consisting of trees and shrubs, whereas 69% preferred windbreaks in which conifers were mixed with hardwoods. Respondents who preferred groups of trees planted in non-straight rows were 5.0 times more likely to indicate that windbreaks improved visual appearance of agricultural lands than those who preferred single trees. Those who preferred groups of trees nested between agricultural fields or groups of trees planted in straight rows were 3.6 and 2.6 times more likely, respectively, to indicate that windbreaks improved visual appearance of agricultural lands in comparison to those who preferred single trees.     

农田防护林主要间距离的确定——基于林带结构与风速降低的关系

Relative windspeed reduction was measured behind nine relatively narrow, homogenous tree windbreaks with porosities between 0.13–0.33, and behind 28 combinations of model stubble barriers representing 25 different optical porosities (0.00–0.80). The optimum porosities observed were 0.25 and 0.13 for tree windbreaks and stubble barriers respectively. Based on the relationship between windbreak structure (optical porosity) and wind reduction, the chief indices for determining spacing interval, i.e., the windbreak structure index (δ) and the parameter of microclimate, represented by the problem wind (L _rp ), were determined. Additionally, investigations on shelterbelt trees were carried out, and stem-analysis techniques were used, to develop a method for determining the mature height of tree windbreaks (H ₀). Optimal spacing intervals between windbreaks could be predicted from the indices of a given windbreak structure, percentage of reduction of windspeed desired and tree growth model. A hypothetical example for determining the spacing interval of principal poplar windbreaks is given at the end of this paper. The results can be applied not only to tree windbreak design but also to other plant materials and artificial barriers for wind protection. Foundation item: This study was supported by Innovation Research Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences Biography: ZHU Jiao-jun (1965-), male, Ph. Doctor, PhD advisor. Professor of Institute of Applied Ecology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, Scholar researcher of Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, Japan. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Tree windbreaks and shelter benefits to pasture in temperate grazing systems

The effects of windbreaks on pastures are reviewed, with an emphasis on temperate grazing systems. Mechanisms of plant response to shelter are dealt with in brief. Few papers on measured responses of pasture species to shelter were located in a search of the global literature for the period 1972–97. Except in cold climates, where the benefits of snow-trapping on water availability can be demonstrated, there were few reports of increased production of pasture in response to shelter. A significant result was obtained in a summer rainfall environment in Australia, where a 43% increase in wool production was obtained over three years in small plots sheltered with iron sheeting on the fences. The gain was attributed to increased pasture growth. In New Zealand, one study over three years with a narrow, permeable shelterbelt in a windy, dry summer environment showed a 60% increase in pasture growth in the sheltered zone. However, another study on a high rainfall site with a dense, wide shelterbelt found no substantial shelter effect on pasture. In dry, hot and windy climates there appears to be scope for protecting spray-irrigated pasture with windbreaks. The feasibility of evaluating shelter effects on pastures or crops from old windbreaks is questioned. Variability of soil over the site can not be satisfactorily accounted for and there are problems in defining the true ‘unsheltered’ yield. Shelter effects on pastures could best be determined by comparing production in small completely sheltered plots and open plots. Effects in and near the competitive zone should be measured for living windbreaks. Modelling could then be used to evaluate windbreak systems. We are not yet in a position to provide unequivocal advice to farmers on windbreak outcomes for particular purposes or regions. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Estimates of additional Maize (Zea mays) yields required to offset costs of tree-windbreaks in Midwestern USA

Field windbreaks can increase crop yield within a protected zone. However, they also take land out of crop production and compete with adjacent crops. Although the beneficial aspects are generally recognized, the question arises whether the windbreak will increase crop revenue enough to offset costs over time. Achieving additional yields to offset windbreak costs might be a sufficient incentive for a producer to plant a windbreak. Additional maize (Zea mays) yields necessary to break even with costs are calculated for four typical Midwestern USA field windbreaks: poplar (Populus spp.), mixed tree/shrubs (Populus spp., Acer saccharinum L./Physocarpus spp., Viburnum spp., Cornus spp.), and two and four-row spruce (Picea spp.) windbreaks. Five lifespans, two management and two cost scenarios, and three protected zone widths to account for changing sheltering effects are evaluated. Greatest additional yields are for a 4-row spruce windbreak with intensive management at high cost and a 10-year lifespan: 15.38 Mg ha^–1 yr^–1 within 6H, 7.69 Mg ha^–1 yr^–1 within 12H and 6.15 Mg ha^–1 yr^–1 within 15H. If a 50-year lifespan is implemented, the additional yields are about 11% of those in 10-year lifespan. Smallest additional yields are for a mixed tree/shrubs windbreak with extensive management at low cost and a 50-year lifespan: 0.56 Mg ha^–1 yr^–1, 0.28 Mg ha^–1 yr^–1 and 0.22 Mg ha^–1 yr^–1, respectively. The mixed windbreak is likely to have actual maize yield increases comparable to the added maize yields required to break even as long as the lifespan is 30 years or longer with a minimum protected zone of 12H. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of shelter on temperate crops: a review to define research for Australian conditions

The fact that the shelter created by windbreaks can have a significant, positive effect on crop production is supported by eight decades of research from many countries around the world. Although the concept of planting windbreaks to enhance crop production has general currency in Australia, the practice is not as wide as it could be. This review of the last decade of windbreak literature defines the research needed to encourage wider utilisation of windbreak technology. After outlining the principal mechanisms behind the effect of shelter on temperate crops, the review discusses relevant literature of the past decade especially that from Australia. The main mechanisms discussed are: the protection of crops from physical damage; soil conservation; the direct augmentation of soil moisture; and the alteration of the crop energy balance and plant water relations. Also discussed are the elusiveness of the shelter effect, competition from windbreak trees, and the modelling of windbreak systems. Suggestions for future research in Australia include: quantifying the competition of various windbreak species and the effect of root pruning on both crop and tree; a model of crop energy and water relations at the tree-crop interface; an economic model and a farmer-oriented decision support tool. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Windbreaks in southern Patagonia,Argentina: A review of research on growth models, windspeed reduction, and effects oncrops

In Patagonia, where strong winds are a constraint to agricultural production, live windbreaks are often planted in agricultural fields to protect crops, livestock, and soils from wind hazards. The major factors that determine the efficacy of windbreaks are height, porosity, orientation, length, and location in the landscape. A review of the research on the effect of live windbreaks during 1993 through 2000 is presented in the paper. Porosity and distance from windbreak were found to have major effects on relative windspeed reduction. The greatest degree of protection was for dense windbreaks (windspeed reduction of 85%) at 1H (1H = a distance of one tree height, leeward of the windbreak). Different crops showed a differential yield response to wind stress. The production of garlic (Allium sativum) was not significantly affected by wind. Tulip (Tulipa sp.) bulb yield decreased on average by 25% between 2H and 17H. The production of lucerne (Medicago sativa) at 1H was 40% higher than lucerne grown in open conditions. In contrast, strawberry (Fragaria sp.)and cherry (Prunus avium) were more sensitive to the effect of the wind. Dendrometric models (diameter, site index, volume and crown dynamics) were developed to define the wood potential productivity that could be expected from different site qualities. The prediction of height growth as a function of age, allows the estimation of the area protected by the windbreak. An economic assessment based on realistic estimates of shelter benefits is required to encourage the development of windbreak systems that could also offer other benefits, including erosion control and timber production.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Microclimate patterns on the leeside of single-row tree windbreaks during different weather conditions in Florida farms: implications for improved crop production

Florida citrus and vegetable crops generate billions of dollars in revenue every year. However, wind, freezing temperatures, hurricanes, and diseases negatively impact production. Windbreaks located perpendicular to the prevailing wind can increase farm production simply by reducing wind and modifying microclimate. Windbreaks can also help in managing pathogens such as citrus canker (Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri). To study the modification of wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity on the leeside of single-row tree windbreaks in southern Florida, automated weather stations were installed in 2007/2008 at 2 m above the ground along transects perpendicular to a eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and three cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) (WB1–WB3) windbreaks. All windbreaks reduced wind speed, with minimum wind speed (~5% of the open wind speed) at two times the distance of windbreak height (2H, where H = windbreak height in m) on the leeside of a E. redcedar (~17% porosity) and at 4H (~3–30% of the open wind speed) and 6H (<50% of the open wind speed) on the leeside of cadaghi windbreaks WB1 (~22% porosity) and WB2 (~36% porosity), respectively, when the wind direction was nearly perpendicular to the windbreaks. Wind speed reduction was observed up to 31 times the windbreak height (31H). Cadaghi windbreaks reduced wind speed on the leeside even during a tropical storm event. Temperatures on the leeside of the windbreaks were warmer during the day and cooler near the windbreaks at night compared to temperature in the open fields. This study demonstrates that single-row tree windbreaks can reduce wind and modify the microclimate to enhance crop production for Florida growers.     

THE DISTRIBUTION CHARACTERISTICS OF TURBULENCE ON LEESIDE OF WINDBREAKS

The distributive characteristies of turbulence,turbulent vclocity,turbulent intensityand Rcynolds stress,in horizontal and vertical direction on leeward side of windbreak were dis-cussed in this paper.The results show that all the three kinds of parameters of turbulence have thesimilar distributive patterns in lec,their peaks were around 10H for houizontal and Z/H=1 forvertical.The windbreak is important barrier to affect the structure and distribution of wind speedand turvbulence.Porosities of windbreaks could alter the patterns of turbulence,therefore,affect theabilities and functions of windbreaks.     

The relationship between open windspeed and windspeed reduction in shelter

Windspeed reduction in shelter is generally expressed relatively and is usually assumed to be independent of open windspeed. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the relationship between open windspeed and windspeed reduction in shelter using windspeeds and wind directions measured for two windbreak systems at various distances from the windbreaks and with three windbreak porosities. Optical windbreak porosities were estimated from digitized color photographs using an intelligent (trainable) image processing program. Relative windspeed reduction in shelter was found to be related to the open windspeed. There existed a threshold windspeed at approximately 5 m s^–1, below which relative windspeed reduction varied but generally decreased as the open windspeed increased. Above the threshold windspeed, open windspeed did not have an effect on relative windspeed reduction in the sheltered zone. Using the threshold windspeed reduction, the authors propose an index to evaluate the effectiveness of a windbreak for the overal windspeed protection.Published as Journal Series No. 10815 of the Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska.     

Optical porosity and windspeed reduction by coniferous windbreaks in Southern Ontario

Relative windspeed reduction was measured behind nine relatively narrow, homogeneous windbreaks in southern Ontario, Canada to assess whether any characteristics of the windspeed reduction curve could be predicted from optical porosity. The latter was determined for each windbreak using high contrast black and white photographic silhouettes on a computer digitizing system. Minimum windspeeds behind the windbreaks ranged from 29 to 71% of open windspeed; these minima were located 2 to 6 multiples of windbreak height away from the windbreak. Optical porosities of the bottom half of the windbreak ranged from 0 to 31%. Multiple regression of the shelter parameters (location and value of minimum relative windspeed) on the independent variables (optical porosity, open windspeed, surface roughness, approaching wind direction relative to the windbreak, average tree diameter and average tree spacing) showed that the minimum relative windspeed could be predicted from the optical porosity of the bottom half of the windbreak. The results suggest that optical porosity can be used to predict minimum relative windspeeds and may therefore be useful as a guide in the field evaluation of windbreaks.     

Equations for estimating aboveground biomass of cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) trees in farm windbreaks

Agroforestry systems have received global attention lately as a strategy for carbon mitigation but still are one of the least studied systems. This study was conducted in south Florida to develop biomass equations for windbreak grown cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) trees and to estimate biomass in various aged windbreaks. Trees were selected for destructive sampling based on diameter at breast height (DBH) distribution from five windbreaks. Crown biomass was estimated using randomized branch sampling (RBS) and trunk biomass by taking disks every 1.5?m along the stem. Separate nonlinear equations were developed for crown, trunk and whole tree biomass estimation using DBH and height as predictors. Results indicated that DBH alone was sufficient to predict aboveground biomass, but including height in the models gave better results. Average oven-dry whole tree biomass ranged between 6 and 935?kg for 2- and 20-year-old windbreaks. Oven-dry whole tree biomass per100?m windbreak length in the same windbreaks ranged between 166 and 26,605?kg. Because fast-growing cadaghi is efficient and can produce significantly more biomass in a short period versus other windbreak species, landowners can expect higher returns from biomass or carbon trade over a shorter period, where available, to offset the cost of land occupied by the windbreaks.     

Spacing interval between principal tree windbreaks--Based on the relationship between windbreak structure and wind reduction

Relative windspeed reduction was measured behind nine relatively narrow, homogenous tree windbreaks with porosities between 0.13-0.33, and behind 28 combinations of model stubble barriers representing 25 different optical porosities (0.00-0.80). The optimum porosities observed were 0.25 and 0.13 for tree windbreaks and stubble barriers respectively. Based on the relationship between windbreak structure (optical porosity) and wind reduction, the chief indices for determining spacing interval, i.e., the windbreak structure index (δ) and the parameter of microclimate, represented by the problem wind (Lrp), were determined. Additionally, investigations on shelterbelt trees were carried out, and stem-analysis techniques were used, to develop a method for determining the mature height of tree windbreaks (H0). Optimal spacing intervals between windbreaks could be predicted from the indices of a given windbreak structure, percentage of reduction of windspeed desired and tree growth model. A hypothetical example for determining the spacing interval of principal poplar windbreaks is given at the end of this paper. The results can be applied not only to tree windbreak design but also to other plant materials and artificial barriers for wind protection.     

农田防护林主带间距离的确定——基于林带结构与风速降低的关系(英文)

本文通过对9条分布均匀、相对较窄的不同疏透度(透光疏透度,下同)(0.13～0.33)的树木林带和不同疏透度(0.00～0.80)风障组合的野外风速观测,确定了树木林带和风障的最适疏透度分别为0.25和0.13。基于林带结构(疏透度)与风速降低的关系,确定了林带主带间距离的主要参数,即,林带结构系数(δ)和以主害风为代表的小气候参数(Lrp)。另外,通过对林带树木的野外调查,应用树木解析技术确定林带成林高(H0)。因此,树木林带的主带间距可以通过林带结构系数、希望降低风速的比例和树木生长模型来确定。本文以杨树林带为例,具体确定了杨树林带的主带间距。该研究结果不仅适于树木林带的设计,同时适于其它生物材料或人工风障的设计。图4表5参40。     

A model to evaluate windbreak protection efficiency

The effectiveness of windbreaks in windspeed reduction is often evaluated without regard to the objects to be protected. In fact, many objects may have different sensitivities to wind and often require different degrees of wind protection. Since commonly used indexes do not consider the sensitivity to wind, a concept of specific protection efficiency is developed. A critical windspeed is used to represent the sensitivity of each object. Windspeeds greater than this value are considered damaging. A dimensionless protection index is defined to evaluate windbreak efficiency. The maximum index value is 1 for the highest protection, and the index is negative when sheltered windspeed is greater than the critical windspeed. This index can be compared, summed, and averaged across different windbreaks, objects, and leeward locations. A sample of critical windspeed values was compiled from the literature. The index was evaluated using actual wind data measured under both sheltered and open conditions. The results indicated that the index can be used for evaluating windbreak effectiveness in terms of objects protected under various conditions. This model could be used as a tool for windbreak-related research and policy making.     

Influence of windbreak orientation,shade and rainfall interception on wheat and lupin growth in the absence of below-ground competition

In the temperate cropping regions of Australia, the benefits of shelter from windbreaks are often offset by tree-crop competition. The aim of this trial was to quantify microclimate and crop growth close to shade-cloth windbreaks with various orientations, to determine the effect of shelter and above-ground competition on the growth and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) in the absence of below-ground competition. The trial was conducted in southwestern Australia in 2000 and 2001. The windbreaks modified windspeed, temperature, light and rainfall both spatially and temporally. Consequently, there were spatial differences in the phenology, morphology and productivity of the crops and the incidence of fungal disease adjacent to the windbreaks. Mean grain yield within three times the height of the windbreaks (H) was 97, 102, 82, and 98% of yield beyond 3 H on the northern, eastern, southern and western aspects respectively for wheat and 99, 87, 90, and 87% respectively for lupins. Changes in windspeed and rainfall were not significantly correlated with the relative yield of either crop. However, photosynthetically active radiation was significantly correlated with yield for wheat but not for lupins. Given these responses, and the practical difficulties of reducing below-ground tree-crop competition to the point where light is more limiting for crop growth than water, it is recommended that windbreaks continue to be oriented primarily to protect against damaging winds, rather than to minimise shading in the medium and low rainfall areas of Australia.     

A model of tree-crop competition for windbreak systems in the Sahel: description and evaluation

A model was developed to simulate the effects of competition for soil water and radiation between windbreaks and pearl millet crops in the Sahel. These effects on millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) growth were simultaneously simulated for each millet row parallel to the windbreak with small time steps for soil water processes, radiation availability and crop assimilation. The crop routine of the model was based on an existing semi-deterministic model. The soil-water flow was simulated in two dimensions to account for horizontal gradients. Competition for water was expressed by distributing the available soil water between trees and millet in proportion to its uptake rates in a non-competitive situation. Competition for light was incorporated as light reduction through a two-dimensional (windbreak) barrier with time-increasing height and density. Tree parameters were introduced as fixed values or as time-dependent forcing functions. Crop, windbreak trees (Bauhinia rufescens Lam.), and soil data inputs were either field-determined or obtained from literature. Reasonable agreement between simulated and measured soil water content and dry matter production was obtained under the conditions in Niger. Global radiation intensities and soil water contents were simulated satisfactorily as a function of time and the distance from the windbreak. Hence, the model is appropriate to analyse competition for light and water between windbreaks and crops.     

Management of windbreaks in the Sahel: the strategic implications of tree water use

At sites in the Sahel where windbreaks are used to control wind erosion, management strategies are required to minimise competition for water between trees and crops. Uptake of water by windbreak trees was therefore studied in experiments designed to compare water use among tree species, assess which variables exert most control over transpiration and determine the source of water transpired by windbreak trees. Transpiration and soil-water extraction by Acacia nilotica, Acacia holosericea and Azadirachta indica trees in windbreaks were measured at the ICRISAT Sahelian Centre, Niger. Coupling of windbreaks to the atmosphere was evaluated and a stable isotope technique was used to compare utilisation of groundwater by windbreaks and crops at two sites in Niger with different water table levels. Azadirachta indica used least water, probably as a result of lower stomatal conductances, since windbreaks exhibited good physiological control over transpiration. The potential for competition for water was most severe with Acacia nilotica and Acacia holosericea, as they extracted large quantities of water through lateral roots, and at the location where trees could not access groundwater. At such sites, the effects of competition on crop productivity should be minimised by planting tree species with low water requirements and by using pruning to limit tree transpiration.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Long-term growth analyses of Japanese cedar trees in a plantation: neighborhood competition and persistence of initial growth deviations

The individual growth of tree diameter at breast height (dbh) is analyzed in an even-aged plantation of Cryptomeria japonica from stand age of 45 to 94 years, to examine how the growth of individual trees has been affected by the changes in spacing resulting from thinning operations. At any age, a significant proportion (0.37–0.46) of the variation in dbh growth during a 5–11-year period was explained by dbh at the beginning of the period, probably due to greater leaf mass of larger trees. Next, either one-sided or two-sided competition was added to the model, by calculating the basal area (BA) of neighboring trees around each tree within a given radius or BA for trees having larger dbh than the focal tree within the radius. After preliminary analyses, a radius of 8 m was selected as the critical range for tree competition. Although both types of competition explained a significant proportion (0.09–0.43) of growth variation, one-sided competition was not significant at ages greater than 54 years. Based on the model at 45 years of age, the initial deviation of growth rate for each tree from the predicted rate was calculated and added to the models as a third variable. This raised the coefficient of determination up to 0.50–0.74. These findings have practical significance for forest plantation management, particularly for controlling the growth of standing trees via thinning, to produce high-quality timber in the future.     

Aerodynamic properties of windbreaks of various designs formed by thinning in central Ukraine

In this article, we investigate the regulation of wind regime by windbreaks of different designs formed by thinning. In particular, we look at the effects of thinning in 52–67 years old oak stands. Based on our results, different windbreaks designs of foliage and aphyllous states influence wind regime of adjacent fields. This research shows that windbreaks of sieve-looking and blown designs with an average optical porosity of 20–25% between the trunks and 5–10% in the crowns have better aerodynamic properties than windbreaks of dense design. The uniformity coefficient of reduction in the airflow ranged between 0.42 and 0.76. There is a clear tendency to decrease wind velocity at a distance of 15H in the leeward side, which has a beneficial effect on agronomic productivity of the surrounding areas. With the transition of windbreaks from full foliage to aphyllous state the optical trunk porosity of plantations increases 1.8–3.0 times, and in crowns—2.5–4.0 times. The windbreaks of blown and sieve-looking designs in the aphyllous state with an average porosity between trunks of 40–50% and in the crowns of 20–30%, regulate more effectively the wind regime in comparison with windbreaks of dense design. According to our findings, the windbreaks of blown design with porosity 40–50% between the trunks and 0–10% in crowns and sieve-looking design have the best ameliorative properties in the region.

     

Effect of windbreak on the yield of cotton crop in semiarid regions of Haryana

The beneficial effects of shelterbelts and windbreaks have been convincingly demonstrated in the temperate regions of the world. Investigations conducted on the biological effects of windbreaks are relatively few in arid and semiarid zones. In the semiarid regions of Haryana under Social Forestry programmes large scale plantations along roads, canals, fields, etc. were undertaken. In this region, an area having a windbreak of Dalbergia sissoo (18 years old) was selected and cotton was raised in the agricultural fields. The tree belt is able to reduce the windspeed by 15 to 45% depending upon season and wind speed. Observations on morphological characters and crop yield revealed that the belt height had a significant effect on plant growth. In general growth and cotton productivity increased upto distance of four times the tree height to the leeward of belt. Depending upon the orientation of tree belt, an increase in cotton yield was found to be 4 to 10%. Plant growth (in terms of leaf area, leaf number, plant height) and yield (seed cotton production) were observed to be high in sheltered area as compared to open fields. The results indicate that windbreak establishment should be adopted and integrated to a whole farming system, in semiarid regions.