Effects of an Agroforestry System on Wind Speed and Particle Mass Flux on a Farm in Semi-Arid South Africa
Abstract
Soil degradation due to wind erosion is a major concern in semi-arid agricultural regions, particularly in South Africa’s Overberg area. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an agroforestry windbreak composed of Eucalyptus cladocalyx F. Muell. in reducing wind speed and horizontal dust flux on a wheat farm during the fallow period. Aeolian transport was quantified by using meteorological data, dust collection with MWAC samplers, and remote sensing via aerosol optical depth. Results showed that the windbreak reduced wind speeds by up to 24%, with higher effectiveness under moderate wind conditions (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Aeolian processes and effects
Atmospheric aerosols and clouds
Plant responses to elevated CO2
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Land
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 412–412
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN