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Temporal, environmental and spatial changes in the effect of windbreaks on pasture microclimate

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 22:55 authored by Thomas Baker, Moroni, MT, Mark HuntMark Hunt, Worledge, D, Mendham, DS
Windbreaks modify microclimatic conditions within agricultural systems, however these affects are altered by temporal, environmental and spatial factors often resulting in variation in the reported agricultural benefits. Understanding the climatic conditions and times when windbreaks are most effective will increase our ability to predict impacts of windbreaks on agricultural yields and returns. We examined the effects of windbreaks on paddock microclimate (windspeed, temperature, relative humidity and vapor pressure deficit (VPD)) at fine temporal scales and described the temporal and spatial patterns in the effectiveness of windbreaks in moderating microclimate. We also assessed the climate conditions under which windbreaks have the biggest impact on paddock microclimates to determine the climate conditions where windbreaks are most effective. Microclimate variables were monitored at six distances away from established windbreaks across four pasture/grazing paddocks in the Tasmanian midlands, Australia. Results showed that the effect of windbreaks on paddock microclimate varied; spatially, temporally and with environmental conditions. Temperature, relative humidity and VPD exhibited highly diurnal and seasonal trends in their response to windbreaks, with the largest effects observed in summer and during the afternoon. Environmental conditions also impacted on the magnitude of windbreak effects observed. Windbreaks were most effective at reducing wind when speeds were high, although under these conditions the impact of windbreaks on temperature and relative humidity was reduced. Wind direction was also a key factor, with the largest microclimate changes observed when wind originated from directly behind the windbreak, although plots closely adjacent to windbreaks had microclimate changes when wind came from all directions. This study highlights that when predicting the benefits of windbreaks, it is important to consider spatial and temporal dynamics as well as the environmental conditions of the site.

Funding

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

History

Publication title

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

Volume

297

Article number

108265

Number

108265

Pagination

1-10

ISSN

0168-1923

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier Science Bv

Place of publication

Po Box 211, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1000 Ae

Rights statement

Crown Copyright © 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Ecosystem adaptation to climate change; Forestry not elsewhere classified

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