Design, manufacture, and testing of an innovative ridging device for controlling of wind erosion

Abstract

Wind erosion is a serious problem in the world, especially in Iran. Several studies have used windbreaks and barriers to reduce wind erosion and wind-induced dust emissions; however, there is no study on the development of the ridge with a device. In this study, a new machine was designed and manufactured to create a ridge by mixing soil with biopolymer. The device was developed in three sections (machine, mixing, and ridge maker sections). Mechanisms that control movements are chain drives, brakes, and clutches that enable the device to operate in different topological regions. As part of a test phase of the device, three levels of polymer suspension (10, 20, and 30%) were added to the soil and a ridge was made by the ridging device. These ridges were created in one-hectare flat agricultural land. The ridging device efficiency was tested in 48 h field measurements during September 2018, where three measurements, including penetration resistance, aggregate stability, and ridge height and width were carried out. The results showed 1.5 kg cm−2 penetration resistance in the ridge using 30% volumetric suspension. The highest ridge was 43 cm with 30% suspension. Aggregate stability values of the ridges at 30% and 20% volumetric suspensions were 0.88 and 0.78, respectively. Overall, the results showed that creating a ridge with an optimum height could reduce wind velocity, soil transportation, and limit saltation in the ridge windward and leeward zones.