TASOW - A tool for the automated selection of potential windbreaks

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Engineering
• Soil Science

Background:

• Wind erosion detaches and transports soil particles, impacting land productivity.
• Vegetated windbreaks, like hedgerows, mitigate wind erosion by reducing wind speeds.
• Planting new windbreaks involves policy and planning considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated model for identifying potential windbreak plantation sites.
• To assist in planning and policy decisions regarding new windbreak implementation.
• To rank potential windbreak locations based on suitability.

Main Methods:

• An automated routine was developed using ESRI ArcGIS Pro.
• The model utilizes a wind erosion risk map as primary input.
• Site selection criteria include prioritizing high-risk fields and unprotected areas perpendicular to prevailing winds.

Main Results:

• The model generates a ranked list of suitable locations for new windbreaks.
• Identified sites are prioritized based on wind erosion risk and exposure.
• Model parameters are adjustable and transferable to different regions.

Conclusions:

• The automated model provides a data-driven approach to windbreak site selection.
• This tool supports strategic planning for wind erosion control measures.
• The system facilitates efficient and targeted implementation of new windbreaks.