Administration of project by
Washington
State University
and
USDA-Agricultural
Research Service
Introduction:
Wind erosion has long been a problem in the low (less than 12 inch annual)
precipitation region of the Inland Pacific Northwest. This problem can
be severe on cropland under winter wheat-summer fallow where only one
crop is produced in two years. Wind erosion is also a concern on irrigated
cropland in the fall after harvest of crops such as potatoes and in the
spring before new crops can provide ground cover.
Growers continually strive to control wind erosion and its impacts on cropland within the economic constraints of their farming operation. Today, growers face increased pressure to reduce wind erosion and protect air quality. To help growers meet this challenge, the Columbia Plateau PM10 project conducts research and delivers extension programs and educational materials to improve understanding of wind erosion-air quality problems and develop practical management solutions.
