Wind erosion potential from stover harvest in the Central Plains: Measurements and simulations

Abstract

Removal of crop residues for biofuel production can potentially increase the erodibility of a soil by not only exposing the soil surface to winds but also affecting changes in soil aggregation and roughness. Field studies at both Colby and Ottawa, Kansas were conducted to determine the effects of long-term residue removal on soil wind erodibility. Corn residue was removed from plots at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels beginning in 2009. Soil aggregate status and random roughness were measured in both the spring and fall from 2017 through 2020. As removal levels increased, the soils studied tended to have smaller aggregates and less rough surfaces, both of which increase soil erodibility. For many spring measurements, significant differences were found between the 0% removal levels and the 100% removal levels for soil erodible fraction (EF) and geometric mean diameter (GMD). We also used measured soil properties, weather, and yields as inputs into the WEPS and SWEEP models to simulate potential wind erosion at the study sites. Simulation results indicate that wind erosion can occur whenever soil cover falls below 50% with removal levels of 25% showing wind erosion loss in one case. Results of this study provide general guidance for regional and private sector land managers regarding levels of corn biomass that can be sustainably harvested and still control soil wind erosion.