Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 7: Farming 199

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Presentation : Windbreaks for farming

Method : Facilitator presentation

Tools : Images of windbreaks and how they work, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 7 – Farming

Objective : Participants understand what windbreaks are and how they work

A windbreak is 3 or 4 rows of trees planted together that slow and redirect strong winds
while still allowing light winds to flow through. Even a small windbreak can improve
production for a large area of land. They benefit tree crops, community and home
gardens, animal production, aquaculture, and house and living areas.

The direct benefits of windbreaks for agriculture include:

• Reduce stress on plants therefore increasing growth rate.


• Reduce wind damage to plants.


• Erosion is greatly reduced.


• Water evaporation from plants and the soil is reduced and plants use the water
  more efficiently.


• Soil temperature won’t change as much (the soil won’t get as hot or cold) - this
  creates a better temperature for healthy plant roots and soil biota.

Other benefits:

• Pollination rates will increase because the number of birds and insects increase -
  this will increase the number of grains, vegetables, or fruit on each plant.


• If you use a lot of legume trees then nitrogen in the soil will increase around
  and below the windbreaks.


• Windbreak trees also can provide animal fodder, nuts, oils, firewood, timber,
  mulch, fibre, medicines, etc.


• Water evaporation from rice paddies, ponds, and aquaculture will decrease.


• Animals will be healthier and less stressed - this will increase the amount and
  the quality of meat and other by-products while reducing animal sickness.


• House areas will be much better and more comfortable to live in.

The windbreak shape depends on (a) the size of the windbreak, (b) the shape of the land,
(c) the wind characteristics, and (d) what it is needed for.

See PC Book MOD 7 – Farming for detailed information and illustrations about:

• Windbreak location.


• Windbreak shape.


• Windbreak construction.


• Windbreak maintenance.