Source control and management

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Source control and management

The Source Management and Control Module provides over 60 options to manage or control sand and dust storms together with over 75 sustainable land management technologies which can be employed to implement the source management and control options.

There are several ways to find SDS source management options: 

  • Use the Keyword box below to search for key words describing an option. 
  • Use the Filter box below to select an option by 
    • The Function of an option or 
    • One or more of three attributes: Nature-based, Reduces wind speed or Protects soil from the wind.

Information on each option includes: 

  • How the option works, in reducing wind speed or protecting the soil from the wind, 
  • The efficiency, cost, maintenance requirements, the length of time an option will function, co-benefits, the ease of establishing an option and the degree to which the option can be combined with other options, and, 
  • Additional information useful in using option, where available

To share best practice options, tools, technologies, methods and experience in SDS source control and management please see the Get Involved page in our Land management & restoration section. 

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Dust Mitigation Handbook

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Improving soil conditions to reduce likelihood of lifting by wind
Application of organic fertilizer and manure compost (protects soil)
Using organic fertilizer and manure compost takes the use of livestock manure further by increasing the beneficial composition of the material applied, and with some increase in post application surface roughness when compared to liquid manure.
Protects soil
Improving soil conditions to reduce likelihood of lifting by wind
Spreading livestock manure (protects soil)
Spreading livestock manure on land is a common farm practice, particularly where livestock are held in pens or barns.
Protects soil
Improving soil conditions to reduce likelihood of lifting by wind
Mulching and cover crops (protects soil)
Mulching involves the application of plant material, composted organic materials, wood chips and similar organic matter on fields. Cover cropping is the use of close-growing crops to protect and improve soil between periods of normal crop production crops, trees in orchards and vines in vineyards.
Nature-based
Protects soil
Improving soil conditions to reduce likelihood of lifting by wind
Grass or other plant cover (seeded, fertilized, and watered) (protects soil)
Grass or other plant cover can be planted on bare or sparsely vegetated soil to reduce the ability of wind to lift soil. This option involves seeding (using aircraft, drones or ground equipment), fertilizing (using organic or chemical fertilizer), and watering to promote crop growth.
Nature-based
Protects soil
Use of water to control dust sources
Water unpaved surfaces (protects soil)
This option is similar to Irrigation to cover or wet possible SDS sources but primarily uses vehicles to spray water on unpaved roads and other surfaces.
Protects soil
Use of water to control dust sources
Flooding (protects soil)
Salty, brackish water or fresh water can be used to flood SDS source locations apart from an option to create a salt crust. Water depth is generally shallow and sufficient to keep the soil covered when considering evaporation or movement of water by the wind.
Nature-based
Protects soil
Use of water to control dust sources
Water harvesting (protects soil)
Water harvesting methods often play a significant role in SDS management options. For instance, Keylining Imprinting and Check dams/Zuni pits used in the Lordsburg Playa are based on rainwater harvesting, as are most options which involve vegetation development.
Nature-based
Protects soil