Which of the following is a wind erosion control BMP?

Which of the following is a wind erosion control BMP?

• A. Fences with slats or openings
• B. Vegetative strips / Establishing Vegetation
• C. Soil roughening
• D. Liquid applications (water or chemical soil binders)

Answer: (C)

Wind erosion control focuses on slowing or disrupting the wind near the soil surface and keeping soil particles in place. Roughening the soil creates small ridges and a textured surface that disrupts the near-surface airflow, increasing turbulence and surface drag. This makes it harder for the wind to detach and entrain fine particles, so erosion from wind is reduced even on bare or disturbed soil. It’s a quick, practical measure that can be applied before vegetation is established, providing immediate protection while other measures like planting vegetation take effect. While establishing vegetation and other options like windbreaks or binders can also help, roughening directly lowers the soil’s susceptibility to wind erosion on bare surfaces, making it the best choice among the given options.

Wind erosion control focuses on slowing or disrupting the wind near the soil surface and keeping soil particles in place. Roughening the soil creates small ridges and a textured surface that disrupts the near-surface airflow, increasing turbulence and surface drag. This makes it harder for the wind to detach and entrain fine particles, so erosion from wind is reduced even on bare or disturbed soil. It’s a quick, practical measure that can be applied before vegetation is established, providing immediate protection while other measures like planting vegetation take effect. While establishing vegetation and other options like windbreaks or binders can also help, roughening directly lowers the soil’s susceptibility to wind erosion on bare surfaces, making it the best choice among the given options.