Functions of Windbreaks in the Landscape Ecological Network and Methods of Their Evaluation

Abstract

Linear elements in the agricultural landscape, particularly windbreaks, reduce the wind speed and improve the microclimate in the protected zone. They offer many direct effects on agricultural production with maximum benefits of ecosystem biodiversity. Despite the indisputable advantages and favourable effects of permanent linear vegetation elements, their representation in the agricultural landscape is not as frequent as it used to be. Moreover, the formerly planted elements do not fulfil their original function due to the overgrowth and neglected maintenance. The optimum spatial and functional organisation of the newly proposed linear elements requires evaluation of the existing linear vegetation, its functional parameters and involvement in the landscape ecological network. Our report presents methods for the evaluation of the linear elements, both from the aspect of their internal structure and species composition (category A) and their involvement in the functional system (category B). The evaluation is based on seven established criteria and results in a point scoring system that reflects the characteristics of the reference criteria. In five selected localities, we tested the linear elements as individuals by the A method and their integrity by the B method of evaluation. In one locality only, the state of windbreaks was assessed as functional; at two localities, they were found as conditionally functional, and at two other localities, the state of the windbreaks was assessed as non-functional. An example of the evaluation of individual windbreaks (category A) is demonstrated in model localities in South Moravia, Czech Republic. The results of the evaluation of the model localities thus point out an unsatisfactory state of the linear elements in the region of South Moravia and the need to accord them increased care and to establish new plantations under professional supervision. Their building can be sped up by using the tools of land consolidation.

A New Methodology for Assessing the Interaction between the Mediterranean Olive Agro-Forest and the Atmospheric Surface Boundary Layer

“…They reduce velocity, modify the turbulence and affect the microclimate, but, at the same time, it is essential to ensure the airflow through the agro-ecosystem, which depends on the spatial arrangement and characteristics of individual trees. This is in agreement with the results of several studies, such as the one presented by Podhrázská et al [39] and Pan et al [40].…”

“…The recovery effect shown in Figure 16 demonstrates the function of the olive grove as a windbreak. On the other hand, Figures 7 and 8 show the differences between the studied configurations due to the plantation porosity and its spatial distribution, which is in agreement with the works of Podhrázská et al [39] and Pan et al [40].…”

Review on Windbreaks Agroforestry as a Climate Smart Agriculture Practices

“…Within the agricultural landscape, windbreaks and other linear constructions reduce wind speed and improve the microclimate within the sheltered zone. They need good sort of direct effects on agricultural productivity while also optimizing biodiversity benefits [21]. Windbreaks planted in citrus orchards have been found to reduce wind damage by up to two times the area of the windbreak height, lowering wind speeds by 80-95 percent [9].…”

A Study on the Gains and Losses of the Ecosystem Service Value of the Land Consolidation Projects of Different Properties in Hubei Province: An Empirical Comparison Based on Plains, Mountains and Hills

“…Land consolidation is an activity of the comprehensive treatment of fields, water, roads, forests and villages with a series of biological and engineering measures. The implementation of land consolidation can inevitably change the structure or patterns of regional land use, thus affecting some environmental elements (e.g., soil [21], water [22], vegetation [23], atmosphere [24] and biodiversity [25]) and landscape patterns [26,27], which have direct or indirect as well as positive or negative impacts on regional ecosystems and their processes [28][29][30]. Therefore, how to effectively quantitatively assess ecological environment changes in land consolidation project areas is conducive to promoting the ecological transformation of land consolidation and to improving the regional ecological environment.…”