ARS | Publication request: THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU WIND EROSION/AIR QUALITY PROJECT: TEN YEARS OF RESEARCH PROGRESS.

Submitted to: Western Society of Soil Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 29, 2003
Publication Date: March 29, 2003
Citation: Schillinger, W.F., Saxton, K.E., Sharratt, B.S. 2003. The Columbia Plateau Wind Erosion/Air Quality Project: Ten Years of Research Progress. Western Society of Soil Science Meeting.

Technical Abstract: Highly erodible soils and fallow dryland fields often produce blowing dust emissions during wind storms. Several locations within the Columbia Plateau have failed to meet federal clean air standards during wind storms. A multi-disciplinary team has successfully defined mechanisms of wind erosion and determined effective control measures to reduce wind erosion and improve air quality in the Columbia Plateau. A regional prediction model of dust emissions, transport, and dispersion to estimate downwind particulate concentrations has been developed. Conservation tillage, no-tillage, and continuous annual cropping research were conducted in large-scale field experiments. A best management practices manual entitled 'Farming with the Wind' was published in 1998. A follow-on manual is scheduled for publication in 2003. Many questions remain about wind erosion and emissions from suspended soil and smoke particle sizes 10 micron and smaller. Future research will include continued development on best management farming practices and outreach education programs. In the past ten years, the Columbia Plateau Wind Erosion / Air Quality Project has produced voluminous information contained in more than 10 books or book chapters and in 50 peer-reviewed journal articles.