Wind - Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems - page 93

wind flow for the purpose of reducing soil erosion by
wind, increasing crop yields, protecting the farmstead and
other structures, or realizing any combination of these
goals. Windbreaks are not meant to stop the wind, but
rather to change its course and rate of flow. They are
usually oriented perpendicularly to the wind (if their goal
is modification of flow rate) or along the flow angle of
the wind (if their goal is redirection). When trees are used
to create permanent windbreaks in agroecosystems, the
result is a form of agroforestry (Figure 7.5).

Extensive research has been carried out on wind-
break technology and the role of such structures
in cropping systems all over the world (Brandle and
Hintz, 1988; Brandle et al., 2004). Windbreaks have
been shown to dramatically alter wind flow patterns
and velocity, and as a result, to reduce many of
the negative impacts of wind described above, while
taking advantage of some of the positive effects. Ulti-
mately, crop plant and animal yields benefit
(Figure 7.6).

FIGURE 7.5 Windbreak for improving the microclimate of an adjacent apple orchard near Lincoln, New Zealand. This
windbreak is made up of willow trees ( Salix sp.).