Field Windbreaks: Are They Economical?

Abstract

Use of field windbreaks to control soil erosion is well accepted but questions concerning the economic impact on crop production systems remain. While research indicates a long‐term net positive effect on yield, it is unclear whether this yield increase is sufficient to offset those costs associated with the cropland planted to trees. Using a net present value approach, we evaluated three windbreak systems designed to provide various degrees of protection for a 160‐acre field. The windbreak systems required that 6.4, 8.7, or 14.6 acres of land be planted to trees. Each of these systems was evaluated over a range of yield increases and economic conditions and nearly all provided positive economic returns with yield increases of <15%. Windbreak System 2, using 8.7 acres, provided optimal economic returns with crop yield increases of 6 to 7% and discount rates up to 11%. Net present values remained positive over a range of base yields, grain prices, and windbreak establishment costs, indicating that windbreaks are an economically attractive investment over a wide range of conditions. Payments under the Conservation Reserve Program provide additional economic returns to the landowner for a windbreak investment beginning in Year 1 and reduce the up‐front investment costs associated with the early years of a windbreak system.