Record dust storms in Illinois: Causes and implications

ABSTRACT:

Parts of Illinois experienced record high frequencies of dust storms in the spring of 1981 without a major drought occurring. This extensive wind erosion occurred in an area where silt loam and silty clay loam prairie soils predominate. Antecedent (fall and winter) and spring weather conditions were dry, leaving deficient soil moisture, but they were not unique. Similar or worse weather conditions occurred in 11 percent of the years since 1890, but 1981 was the first year since 1958 with such conditions. Current agricultural practices, coupled with a loss in hedgerows and fencerows, as well as a general upward trend in the frequency of dust storms in Illinois, appear to be the primary reasons for the 1981 record dust storms. Results suggest the need for soil conservation practices.