Getting Dust to Settle, Stay on Illinois Farmland

By Kevin Brooks

As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways. Although it is not a new environmental event, the dangers are always present, and questions arise. While there is no one industry impacted or a simple resolution, University of Illinois Extension starts by answering questions. 

“For farmers and the agriculture industry, equipment is larger, more advanced, and working at a faster pace than ever before,” says Kevin Brooks, commercial agriculture educator with Illinois Extension. “The farming business of today is much different than even 10 years ago.”

Removing Hedgerows

Many people have mentioned the removal of hedge rows and ask why they see it happening. The hedge trees planted, going back to the mid-1800s, were used by homesteaders as living fences to protect their property by maintaining lines and corralling livestock. During and following the Dust Bowl, many hedges included Osage orange trees, planted to serve as a wind break from blowing soil and snow. The Dust Bowl, like the current situation with dust storms, was brought about by changes in farming practices. Then, with hybridization beginning in the 30s, more and more land was intensively tilled without previous crop residue being left on the soil surface. The soil particles were easily picked up by the winds and carried.