Wind Erosion in the Murray Mallee

At the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning association, one of our concerns the effect wind has on the soil. That is because of the main sustainability issues affecting the Mallee is the incidence of wind erosion of soil. In fact, wind erosion of soil is a huge factor to consider when it comes to sustainable farming.

Many of the soils and landforms in the Mallee are naturally susceptible to wind erosion and become more so once cleared of native vegetation. The replacement of native vegetation by annual crops and pastures has also resulted in increased groundwater recharge rates.

The major factor in reducing wind erosion is maintaining ground-cover using annual or perennial crops and pastures or native vegetation. Maintaining an adequate level of cover involves many factors such as crops, livestock, pastures, native vegetation, property improvements, vermin control, tillage and soil fertility into a sustainable and productive farming system.