Wind Erosion in Iowa

Wind erosion occurs in Iowa even during winter. Its effect is especially noticeable when the snow is covered with black sediments from the erosive force of wind, even at subzero temperatures (Photo 1 and 2). Water erosion is also a major concern. Erosion caused by water far exceeds the amount of sediment loss by wind because of the high volume of precipitation, and its powerful erosive effects on removing sediments and associated organic matter and nutrients to water ways. However, wind erosion contributes to the significant loss of top soil, especially the loss of organic matter at the soil surface