Range Grasses and Their Small Grain Equivalents for Wind Erosion Control

Abstract

An equation that estimates potential wind erosion requires that all vegetative cover (dry weight per area) be expressed as a small grain equivalent. Wind-tunnel tests were used to determine that equivalent for selected range grasses, either as single species or mixtures, at three grazing-management levels. Compared with flat small grain, range grasses evaluated effectively prevented erosion, with buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) the most effective and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi) the least effective among those tested. A possible procedure for extending the results to other grasses or mixtures is suggested. The data on range grass to small grain equivalent for erosion control may be used to predict the wind erosion potential of range sites or to determine the amounts of range grass needed to hold potential erosion to tolerable limits.