Characterization of Wind Erosion Sediments in the Red River Valley of North Dakota

Abstract

Wind erosion is a serious problem in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. Wind erosion sediments were characterized to evaluate their potential as nonpoint source pollutants for surface water and shallow groundwater. Thirty‐four sites from the South Dakota border to the Canadian border were sampled to measure physical and chemical characteristics of displaced sediment and field soils. Collected sediments originated from fields with soils having silt loam, silty clay loam or silty clay textures. Sediments had >98% water‐stable aggregates and average NO−3‐N levels of 105 mg kg−1. Calcareous sediments (22 samples) were significantly higher in pH, NO−3‐N and electrical conductivity (EC), while noncalcareous sediments (12 samples) were higher in P and K. Soils from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and small grain fields tended to have higher NO−3‐N levels than fields with other crops or cropping practices. Agricultural chemical residues were detected and identified at two sample sites. A comparison of displaced sediments with field soils showed significant increases in NO−3‐N, P, K and EC in the sediments and a significant reduction in pH. Nearly 96% of the NO−3‐N could be leached out of the sediments in an initial leaching. Wind erosion sediments have the potential to be nonpoint sources of NO−3‐N and salinity for surface and groundwater.

Impact of soil erosion on soil organic carbon stocks

“…However, Cropland 130 -35% Table 1 The effects of soil erosion through land use change on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. Cihacek et al (1992) worked with sand grain-sized wind erosion sediments on high clay soils (Vertisols) and soils with higher SOC stock. Soil particles smaller than sand moved if wind has enough energy.…”

“…However, water erosion receives most attention because its after-effects are more noticeable and it is linked to other negative outcomes, such as water quality and loss of productivity that resonate with the general populations of the United States through its link with food insecurity. Transport of SOC and nutrients by windblown soil particles is of potential relevance to water quality (Cihacek et al 1992) Wind eroded sediments have been analyzed for SOC and major nutrients by other investigators but primarily in relation to the effects of wind erosion on soil quality and productivity (Larney et al 1998;Leys 1994;Stoorvogel et al 1997;Van Pelt and Zobek 2009).…”

Effect of Management Practices on Soil Microstructure and Surface Microrelief

“…SSR is a direct indicator of the degradation of soil microstructure, which is mainly due to a loss of physical, chemical, and biological properties [1,2,5]. In this case, SSR is closely related to erosion, which is the primary cause for the loss of soil structure and organic matter, and it leads to a decrease in soil productivity and reduced fauna diversity [4,6].…”

Shadow analysis of soil surface roughness compared to the chain set method and direct measurement of micro-relief

“…Tillage operations reduce erosion and increase the oriented and random roughness (Saleh, 1994). Conservation practices during tillage are beneficial for avoiding the loss of organic matter and nutrient-rich topsoil, increasing soil productivity, improving air and water quality and diversifying fauna (mainly microorganisms) in soils (Cihacek et al, 1993;Saxton, 1995;Larney et al, 1999;. SSR, which is mainly randomly induced by different tillage tools, increases the number and variability of microorganisms that can grow in a particular ecosystem by increasing the porosity of soils and resulting flow of percolating water in the vadose zone.…”