Effect of windbreaks on potato production for the Atherton Tablelands of North Queensland

Abstract

The effect of windbreaks on the growth and yield of potatoes was measured over a 4-year period. Growth measures included the amount and severity of wind damage to leaves, plant height and number of leaves. Plots were located at various distances from the windbreak in both sheltered and unsheltered positions. The results of this project, while variable both within and between seasons, suggest that windbreaks increase the yield of potatoes between 4.8 and 9.3% for the sheltered portion of the paddock in seasons with higher than average wind speeds. A significant increase in yield has been observed between 3 H and 18 H (where H is the height of the windbreak) in seasons where wind speed was above average, although this result varied within seasons. Increased yield was attributed to a reduction in wind damage to leaves on plants growing in sheltered positions, where it was recorded.