In addition, the dry conditions that contributed to the poor stands will also prevent establishment of any replanted crop. The crop must be monitored to determine if injury to established plants has occurred. Injury to the growing point of small grains can result in loss of yield potential. Replanting with the same or a different crop should only be considered after determining that the original has no yield potential. Even in this situation, letting the land lay fallow, meaning that nothing is growing there for that cropping period, may be the economic choice. If replanting is to be done, consideration should be given to herbicide residues from the previous crop and the potential of the new crop to mature in the remaining season. .
Bare, unprotected soil is extremely vulnerable to wind erosion. Erosion occurs with strong, turbulent winds blowing across a soil surface that is smooth, loose, dry and finely granulated. Very fine particles are suspended in the air stream and carried long distances. Slightly larger soil particles bounce or roll along soil surface. The most effective wind erosion control measure is to maintain cover on the soil surface throughout the year (Sirios 1). Land is most susceptible to wind erosion in the fall following harvest, over winter while the ground is frozen, and in the spring until seeded crops provide protective cover. Usually, wind erosion is the most serious in the spring because freeze-thaw particles detach from the dirt clods. Direct seeding of the next year's crop into the previous year's residue is an excellent way of maintaining cover on the land (Sirios 1). This will usually keep enough cover on the surface to prevent excessive erosion. Direct seeding is a way to save as much moisture as possible, complete tillage for weed control, warm the soil surface and place the seed in direct contact with moist soil (Sirios 1). This will allow the crop to emerge as soon as possible.
