Effects of Wind Erosion

Wind Erosion Solutions

wind erosion, wind erosion of soild can be reduced byWind erosion is the main source of erosion in areas with arid climates. This can occur in two main ways: deflation and abrasion. Deflation moves particulates (dust) from one area to another. Abrasion occurs when the moving particulates come in contact with solid object.

Wind Erosion Control

Control erosion created by wind is no easy task. The wind, after all, is a seemingly unstoppable force. With that in mind, there are other ways to control the erosion through controlling the soil. The two things that must be done are reduce the wind-speed at ground level and increase soil cohesion. These two actions will improve the soil's resistance to wind.

There are numerous ways to increase soil cohesion from spraying it with binding solutions to simply irrigating the soil. The roughness of the soil surface can be increased through specific cropping techniques to cut down wind-speed. Wind-speed can also be cut by increasing plant density. On a larger scale, a wind-break can be created to cut wind-speed and reduce both evaporation and erosion. The best arrangement is two rows of tall trees surrounded by two rows of large trees.

The use of coir, geotextiles, and non-woven geotextiles will greatly improve the growth of the these plants. These products will separate sand from soil and allow the plants to colonize and establish a significant root system, which will ultimately cut down wind-speed, hence decreasing possible erosion. To Learn more, visit our page on the causes of soil erosion.

Effects of Wind Erosion

The smallest and finest particles are carried by the wind and collected in various areas, creating a build up of loam. Sediment crust degrades and rocks are easily weathered. Sheets of sand traveling close to the ground can degrade crops. It reduces the capacity of the soil to store nutrients. One of the most noticeable effects is seen in sand dunes. The sand will move wherever the wind takes it--burying oases and ancient cities along the way.

Factors of Erosion by Wind

  • Aridity of Climate: The less rainfall, the more opportunity for erosion caused by wind.
  • Wind Speed: Erosion increases with strong winds or gusts
  • Soil Texture: Loamy sand (particles 10-100 microns) is the most vulnerable soil. Soil containing clay is stickier and is more resistant to wind.
  • Soil Structure: The absence of structure-improving matter (organic matter, iron, free aluminum, lime) the soil contains on the surface, the more susceptible to erosion it is.
  • State of the Soil Surface: If the soil surface is stony, the risks of erosion are lower.
  • Vegetation: Stubble and crop residues in the soil cut wind-speed at ground level.
  • Soil Moisture: Moisture makes the sand and loam more cohesive, temporarily preventing erosion.

See our7 simple water pollution solutions.

Erosion Control Products

soil erosion, soil erosion preventionWoven Geotextiles:

Silt Fence: W100
Stabilization and Separation: LM200 • W200 • W250 • W300 • W315
Erosion Control: M404 • M706

Non Woven Geotextiles:

Drainage and Filtration: GT131 • GT135 • GT140 • GT142 • GT160 • GT170
Separation and Underlayment: GT180 • GT110 • GT112 • GT116
Asphalt Overlay: GC130 • GC140
Environmental Applications: GE110 • GE116 • GE140 • GE160 • GE170 • GE180

Natural Fiber Products

Erosion Control - Sediment Control: Coir Wattles • Soil Erosion Control Blankets and Mats
Soil Bio-Engineering: Coir Logssoil erosion, soil erosion prevention

View all Erosion Control Products



Questions about erosion control products?
Call our GEI Works product specialists at +1-772-646-0597.

erosion pollution expert

Become an Erosion Control "Expert"!

Don't let your knowledge erode! Soak up the ins and out of erosion control and the geotextile products used.

Brush Up on the Types of Erosion:

Beach Erosion • Coastal Erosion • Soil Erosion • Water Erosion •
Wind Erosion • River Bank Erosion • Weathering and Erosion


Learn About the Causes and Solutions:

Causes of Soil Erosion • Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion • River Bank Protection • Erosion Control Netting • Erosion Control Woven Geotextile • Erosion Control Non Woven Fabric

Master the Specifics of Geotextiles:

Geotextile Fabric Overview • Geotextile Material Selection • Geotextile Application • Geotextile Types • Skit Film • Geotextile Functions • Geotextile Testing • Geotextile Comparison • Geotextile Installation • Geotextile Certification • Geotextile DOT Information • Geotextile AASHTO Information • Geotextile Fabric for Dirt Roads

Geotextiles:

Options for Geotextiles:

  • Erosion Control Fabrics:
    • Geotex 2 x 2
    • Geotex 3 x 3
    • Geotex 4 x 4
    • Geotex 4 x 4
    • Geotex 4 x 6
    • Geotex 4 x 1
    • Geotex 6 x 1
    • Geotex 9 x 1
    • Geotex 12 x 1