Wind Erosion Processes and Control Techniques in the Sahelian Zone of Niger

Wind Erosion Processes and Control Techniques in the Sahelian Zone of Niger G. Sterk, L. Stroosnijder, and P.A.C. Raats Abstract The objective of this paper is to present the main results and conclusions from three years of field research on wind erosion processes and control techniques in the Sahelian zone of Niger. Sediment transport was quantified with sediment catchers, and storm based maps of mass transport were made by applying geostatistics. The maps were used to calculate soil losses from the plot. In total, 45.9 Mg ha-1 were lost during four storms. Samples of trapped material were collected and analyzed on total element (TE) contents of K, C, N, and P. The losses of these elements during two storms were equal to approximately 3% of the TE masses that were present in the top 0.10 m of the soil. Wind erosion can be reduced by applying erosion control techniques. A survey in seven villages revealed that mulching with crop residues is the main control technique applied by farmers. Field tests with flat pearl millet stalks showed that small quantities of 1000 and 1500 kg ha-1 can significantly reduce sediment transport during most storms. But, the availability of crop residues for mulching is limited due to other uses. Therefore, future research should concentrate on enhancement of biomass production for wind erosion control purposes.