VALUE OF SHELTER TREES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 33, 25 March 1942, Page 6

VALUE OF SHELTER TREES

TO STOCK AND CROPS Windbreaks and shelter belts represent economy in management on any property, ami nearly every one is in, need of them. They shelter the sto"k, the crops, or the orchard; play an important part in conserving soil moisture, and thus prevent waste. First, thej' break the mechanical force of the wind, thus preventing undue damage to orchards by breaking off limbs, blossoms, and fruits. Further, the lodging and damage by wind of other farm crops can be prevented largely by suitable shelter belts.

Second, they provide a very necessarj- shelter for stock of all descriptions. Tc. see a mob of cows or sheep huddled beneath a tree during the bitter Avinds of winter is to realise that the health and well-be-ing of stock demand the provision of some efficient shelter. Too much food material is wasted in "warming the wind" or in meeting the increased demands of an exposed body. Sheltered animals require less focd. Stock owners agree that mortality among sheep, particularly during lambing and shearing seasons, would be considerably reduced if good shelter were available. Animals clearly demonstrate their need for shelter, and if the stock owner Avere tc provide it lie Avould add considerably to his profit.

Third, windbreaks prevent soil erosion and removcl of topsoil due to unrestricted wind action. This is particularly in evidence where light scil predominates and little natural cover exists. The effects of dust storms are mitigated. Fourth, they reduced evaporation, and help to conserve the soil moisture. Where the wind is unrestricted, evaporation goes on at a rapid rate, and very often the existing needs. It therefore becomes necessary to conserve what moisture already exists In the immediate lee of a windbreak evaporation is reduced by as much as (50 per cent., ami actually at one point it has been shown, under ideal conditions, to reduce evaporation, by 7(1 per cent. The protective zone of a break varies 'with local conditions. but. generally speaking, it shelters an

area. equal iu Avklth te. six to 15 times Uie height o!' tlie trees.