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Shade and Shelter
A number of studies have shown that the main reason Australian
farmers plant trees is to provide shelter for their stock,
crops and those living and working on the farm. Clearly, most
farmers believe that reducing wind speeds and providing shade
enhances productivity. There is research that supports the
use of shelterbelts of trees and block plantings for stock
shelter from both extreme cold and hot temperatures.
Understanding the effects on production of exposure to wind
and sunlight is the first step in designing tree planting
options for shelter. Whilst the impact of catastrophic weather
events may be obvious (such as stock deaths or lodging of
crops), the subtle effects of exposure may not be evident
without monitoring yields and weather conditions. Dairy farmers
may be able to identify the impact of hot or cold weather
on milk production. Others however, selling beef, lamb or
wool, may find any loss in production difficult to attribute
to exposure. This is where animal and crop production research
is most useful.
Heat and
Cold Stress of Farm Animals
Wind Effects on
Crop and Pasture Production
Wind Erosion
Growing Trees for Shade and Shelter
An understanding of the means by which exposure may affect
farm productivity allows farmers to design farm forestry options
to address the cause of the problem. In most cases this will
involve using belts or blocks of trees to try and slow wind
speed.
Trees for Wind
Shelter
Trees for Stock
Shade
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