Wind erosion and soil susceptibility in the Free State Province, South Africa

Wind erosion is identified as one of the most problematic environmental and social-economic problems in the Free State province. The development and intensification of soil wind erosion are influenced by the factors of such as climate, terrain, soil and vegetation characteristics, etc. In this study of the Free State province, Geographical Information Systems GIS was utilised to determine vulnerability of soils to wind erosion using comparative and quantitative methods. The results showed that the western part of the region is highly susceptible to wind erosion. The central part is moderately affected while the eastern part is least affected by wind erosion. Wind erosion is further enhanced by sandy soil types, soil particle size, sparsely distributed vegetation and low soil moisture content in this part of the study area. The present situation of soil and wind erosion is the result of concurrent effects of climate, vegetation cover and surface soil properties. Wind erosion could be manageable with appropriate farming practices.