Shelterbelts

Today erosion remains a concern in many areas. One only needs to look in the ditch as they drive along the highway to see black topsoil discolouring the snow in many places. When this snow melts, soil is lost and unwanted sediments and other pollutants are added to our waterways. There is still the need for shelterbelts and other conservation measures. For proof of the effectiveness of shelterbelts simply visit Lyleton or Conquest where even on the windiest of days the air within the network of shelterbelts remains virtually calm.

Besides protecting soil from the wind, field shelterbelts provide many other benefits. Shelterbelts trap snow on fields, creating an insulating cover for fall seeded crops such as fall rye and winter wheat. The trapped snow prevents wind from blowing topsoil away and provides moisture needed for the germination of spring seeded crops. Field shelterbelts prevent newly seeded crops from being blown out and protect swaths from the wind. Tree rows create sheltered environments or microclimates which are ideal for crop growth. Shelterbelts provide more moisture for crop use and plants are protected from wind driven soil particles. By adding fruit and seed bearing trees and shrubs to the shelterbelt rows, shelter and food are provided for birds and other wildlife.

Potential problems such as excessive snow buildup, competition with adjacent crops and land taken out of production can be overcome or significantly reduced by careful planning, selection of suitable species and proper spacing between tree seedlings.

Field shelterbelts are planted perpendicular to prevailing or problem winds. Since the prevailing winds on the prairies are mainly from the west and northwest, most field shelterbelts are planted in a north-south direction. However, if these winds are southerly , tree rows should run east-west. Many different types of trees and shrubs are suitable for field shelterbelts. Diversity in shelterbelts is very important and the use of several different tree and shrub species should be considered. This will help ensure that should a disease or an insect problem develop, not all trees in the shelterbelt will be affected. Shrub species such as Caragana, Choke Cherry and Villosa Lilac are hardy, long-lived species for use in areas where significant shelter is required. They also offer wildlife benefits through shelter, seed and fruit. Other shrub species that you may wish to consider mixing in with these include Buffaloberry, Sea buckthorn and Hawthorn.

Tree species such as Green ash, Bur oak and Siberian larch can be used in areas where less density is required or as the most westerly belts in a shelterbelt network to improve snow distribution. Green ash and Bur oak are native species with many benefits, including less competitive root systems and long life spans. Siberian larch is a deciduous conifer which loses its needles each fall, providing a less dense shelterbelt in the winter and a higher density belt during the growing season. Mixing Green ash together with these shrubs can create additional benefits in shelter, diversity and habitat for wildlife.

The great depression of the 1930s is now part of the past. The blowing winds and drifting soils of those times are captured in black and white photographs and remain in the memories of those who farmed then. Today, as in the thirties, field shelterbelts are an effective means of reducing soil erosion and continue to be a part of a sound soil conservation program.