ZLV Online

Abstract

Factors such as poor management of target tree species, planting regime and location, along with ongoing climate change, have the potential to reduce shelterbelt functionality and affect the physical and chemical properties of soil. In this study, we compared soil texture and carbon and nitrogen at 0–10 and 10–20 cm within and on the windward and leeward sides of an established windbreak. Windbreak soils typically had lower carbon and nitrogen levels than the surrounding arable soil, and also showed a higher proportion of sand (1.5–2.0 mm) than arable land, especially at 0–10 cm. Differences in windbreak soil textural differentiation were more significant at 10–20 cm, especially on the windward side, which showed a higher proportion of finer particles (< 0.002 mm and 0.002–0.01 mm) than the leeward side. The proportion of sand in arable soil increased gradually, however, from the outer boundary of the windrow to the furthest sampling point. Our results showed that soil properties close to the windbreak and within the windbreak itself are highly responsive to windbreak permeability and tree planting management, with possible negative implications for local ecosystems.