Impact of black locust hedgerows on wind velocity and wind erosion in eastern Germany

Abstract

The production of energy wood on arable land increased in Germany during the last years. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a suitable tree species in order to ensure substantial woody biomass yields on agricultural sites in eastern Germany. Arranged in hedge structures (alley cropping) positive effects on wind velocity and hence on soil erosion can be expected for the whole agricultural production area. Results of field measurements carried out in several alley cropping sites located in eastern Germany show that wind velocity can be reduced by more than 50 percent, even though tree hedgerows were not higher than four meters. Here, the reduction of wind speed was depending on the distance to woody crops, the width of the crop alleys and the orientation of hedgerows. As a result of wind speeds reduction the potential of soil erosion by wind decreases considerably. The risk of wind erosion is even nearly negligible for 24 m wide or smaller crop alleys. In this presentation, wind velocity data of comprehensive measurements will be shown depending on tree height and arrangement of black locust hedgerows. Moreover, derived from wind speed results specific statements about soil erosion risk by wind are given, taking into account soil texture data.