Assessing the spatio-temporal variability of erosion with a novel wind
erosion model and GIS: A case-study of the South Australian agricultural
zone
Abstract
Agricultural productivity in dryland areas can strongly decrease with
wind erosion. However, wind erosion events currently cannot be
predicted. Here, we show that a comprehensive model of daily horizontal
sediment flux with high spatio-temporal resolution can quantify the
impact of surface wind erosion in different regions in South Australia
with different land management practices. For example, the model showed
that during the Millennium drought period (2001-2010), surface wind
erosion led to the loss of fertile land, contributing to a decrease in
agricultural productivity. Since 2013, surface wind erosion has
decreased, likely owing to a change in farming practices that maintain
higher ground coverage for longer periods. The model also showed that
surface wind erosion was generally higher in farmed areas than in
natural environments such as shrubs and forests. Within the farmed
areas, the model indicated that management practices influenced the
magnitude of surface wind erosion. We were able to validate our model
using the frequency of dust storms as a proxy. Our model is a proof of
concept that, through an improved understanding of how different land
uses and management affect regional wind erosion severity, wind erosion
models can inform future land management. They can provide critical
information for land managers and policymakers to apply corrective
measures for better and more cost-effective wind erosion management,
thereby increasing or maintaining agricultural productivity in areas
affected by wind erosion.