Enhancing Wind Erosion Monitoring and Assessment for U.S. Rangelands

On the Ground
- Wind erosion is a major resource concern for rangeland managers because it can impact soil health, ecosystem structure and function, hydrologic processes, agricultural production, and air quality.
- Despite its significance, little is known about which landscapes are eroding, by how much, and when.
- The National Wind Erosion Research Network was established in 2014 to develop tools for monitoring and assessing wind erosion and dust emissions across the United States.
- The Network, currently consisting of 13 sites, creates opportunities to enhance existing rangeland soil, vegetation, and air quality monitoring programs.
- Decision-support tools developed by the Network will improve the prediction and management of wind erosion across rangeland ecosystems.