Study of the windbreak effect of shrubs as a function of shrub cover and height

Abstract

In sand-control engineering, it is difficult to predict the optimal shrub cover, and to determine the relationship between this shrub cover and shrub height. Based on analysis of the physical mechanisms responsible for wind erosion (specifically, the increase in the threshold friction velocity required to entrain particles), a model was developed for the optimal shrub cover to control wind erosion and the optimal configuration that combines the best shrub cover and height. The value of a shrub plantation for counteracting erosion increases with increasing shrub cover and height, but is more sensitive to shrub cover. The friction wind velocity increases with increasing shrub cover and height. The optimal shrub cover was 60–65%, which confirms the results of previous Chinese field research.