Document Actions
(42) Field Windbreak / Living Snow Fence Crop Yield Assessment
Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota Extension, Mankato, MN
Diomy Zamora, University of Minnesota Extension, Brainerd , MN
Session: Poster session
Field windbreaks and living snow fences, when placed in the proper locations, can serve a useful purpose and be very beneficial in enhancing rural landscapes. It is important to record crop yields around these plantings using modern yield monitoring equipment to show producers where the yield differences are, including yield increases and other positive benefits of these plantings.
This study funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture was designed to evaluate and document crop yields grown on one or both sides of field windbreaks or living snow fences for a 3 year period from 2005 to 2007. Yield data was collected from modern GPS/yield monitoring and mapping systems which are on the combines of the cooperating farmers. We have also conducted a survey of producers who have planted living snow fences to identify why they prioritized this practice on their farm and to document positive as well as negative comments about the plantings.
Previous research suggests that there are yield advantages to conservation tree and shrub plantings. These plantings showed an increase in yield of 12% in corn and 8% in soybeans. We wanted to verify and update this research using various plantings in Minnesota with modern yield recording technology. If crop yields are higher or equal to field averages, more producers may be encouraged to establish these plantings on their farm. Field windbreaks and living snow fences reduce winter fatalities and accidents, benefit wildlife, enhance rural aesthetics, reduce blowing snow problems, reduce snow removal costs, protect top soil, and much more.
Gary Wyatt
University of Minnesota Extension
1961 Premier Drive, Suite 110
Mankato, MN 56001, USA
Phone: 507-389-6748
Fax: 507-389-6787
E-mail: wyatt@umn.edu
Diomy Zamora
University of Minnesota Extension
322 Laurel Street, Suite 21
Brainerd, MN 56401, USA
Phone: 218-828-2332
Fax: 218-828-2424
E-mail: zamor015@umn.edu