The Northern Plains is home to some of the richest soil in the U.S. University of Minnesota Extension Educator Angie Peltier says the harsh weather environment puts those soils at risk. “We are windier than other areas of the country; we can’t control that. We can’t control the fact that we are on flat land or have high levels of calcium carbonate in our soils. That makes it much harder for our soil to form the necessary structure needed to make resilient soil.” However, Peltier says there are options for reducing soil loss. “We’re suggesting that folks really consider windbreaks. If you pulled out a windbreak, put another one back in. There are cost-share programs for putting in windbreaks. Talk to your local soil and water conservation district. Other options are cover crops and reducing tillage.”
