1. Technologies For Farm Improvements
  2. Land & Soil Management
  3. Checking Soil Erosion
  4. Sand fences
  5. Setting up, operation and maintenance
Setting up, operation and maintenance
Sand fences
Sand fences are used to deposit sands in their vicinity. There are several types of sand fences namely:
  • Vertical slat fence
  • Horizontal slat fence
  • Palm-leaf fence, which is usually similar to two preceding fences except that palm leaves are used instead of slats
Setting up fencing

A vertical slat fence has better aerodynamic stability when compared to a horizontal one. A permeability of 40-60% is recommended to give best results. The fence must be perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Firm anchoring of the fence should be done. Multiple rows of parallel sand fences can be erected to increase the efficiency but proper spacing should be given considering the slope and wind speed.
Points to remember
  • The best fence porosity is 40-60%. Solid fences have poor performance.
  • Sand fences should be no more than 1.2 - 2m high.
  • Vegetation transplanting on the sand dune will help stabilise the dune. Fencing without vegetation cover has a short term effect as accumulated sand remains unstable and gets blown away by strong wind.
  • Common dune grasses: a) marram grass b) lyme grass. Common shrubs: a) Phog b) Jharber c) desert gourd