Comprehensive evaluation of windbreaks of fast-growing trees

View the project final report

Commodities

• Additional Plants: trees

Practices

• Crop Production: windbreaks

Microclimate modification and pathogen control are two major benefits of windbreaks. Effective windbreaks significantly reduce windspeed in the protected area and at the same time control the movement of some pathogens. Based on the evidence and performance of windbreak in other countries, vegetable and citrus growers are committed to establish windbreaks. As canker incidences are increasing everyday, efforts are underway to establish windbreaks of evergreen fast-growing species for year-round and early protection. However, there is limited information on the performance of windbreaks composed of fast-growing species. Rooting habit of windbreak species need to be evaluated to assess its competitive strength. This project will 1) Evaluate various aged fast-growing tree windbreaks for microclimate modification, 2) study the chronosequence of root development and distribution, and 3) estimate biomass in windbreak trees. Results of the project will help to understand changes in effectiveness of fast-growing tree windbreaks over time. Information on root development and distribution will be useful to assess the competitive strength of windbreak species and in competition management at the interface. Results of this study can be used to design effective windbreaks which can significantly reduce production costs and at the same time increase crop quality and yield leading to sustainable agriculture production.

The project has three specific objectives:
1. Study microclimate modification by various age windbreaks
2. Study chronosequence of root development in windbreak species
3. Estimate biomass stored in various age windbreaks.