Use of date-fronds mat fence as a barrier for wind erosion control. 1. Effect of barrier density on sand movement stabilization

Abstract

The wind erosion control efficiency of four wind barrier systems was tested. The systems consisted of four different densities of date-fronds mat fences erected in a checker-board manner between rows of two trees cultivated locally for wind erosion: Prosopis spicigera and Acacia tortilis. The efficiency was assessed using three methods: amount of drifting sand, changes in wind speed and variation in ground surface level. The fence was very effective in retarding the encroaching sand, of which 89.5% moved by saltation. Severe erosion took place in the treatments with no date-fronds mat fence, although the ground surface level varied among the treatments. A significant drop in wind speed was observed with passage of the air stream through the fence, causing deposition of sand on both sides of the fence. The efficiency of the barrier increased directly with fence density. Better protection was observed among all treatments with tree growth.