By Andi Anderson
Recent dust storms in Illinois have raised concerns about how to prevent soil from blowing off farmlands and across roadways. These events, while not new, highlight the urgent need for solutions.
Kevin Brooks, a commercial agriculture educator with the University of Illinois Extension, explains that today’s larger, faster equipment has changed farming drastically in just the past decade.
He notes that the removal of hedgerows—trees originally planted to block wind—has contributed to soil erosion. Many of these trees, such as Osage orange, have become problematic by damaging crops, blocking sunlight, drying soil, and clogging drainage tiles. Removing them can cost over $20,000 per farm.
Drainage is a major concern in Illinois, where most farmland soil—like Drummer—is productive only when drained properly. Hedgerow roots clog underground drainage systems, causing fields to flood and reducing crop growth.
With large modern machinery and high production demands, farmers cannot afford such setbacks.
When fields stay wet, fertilizer nutrients are lost to waterways, harming ecosystems. While hedgerows may reduce wind erosion, the long-term impact on drainage, crop yields, and soil health often outweighs the benefits.
The solution lies in conservation practices like no-till and strip-till farming, which leave crop residue on the field, keeping soil in place. Cover crops can also help, though they add time and cost. Still, these methods improve soil and long-term farm profitability.
Government programs and land lease agreements must also evolve. Most Illinois farmland is owned by non-farming families, and incentives are needed to encourage sustainable practices.
Ultimately, keeping soil covered—using crop residue or cover crops—is the best way to stop dust storms while supporting modern farming needs and environmental health.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety, Sustainable Agriculture