Shelterbelts and windbreaks play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, particularly in arid regions where harsh climatic conditions pose significant challenges to land use. In India, where a substantial portion of the landscape is characterized by dry, aridand semi-arid conditions, the strategic implementation of windbreaks can mitigate soil erosion, reduce evaporationand enhance microclimatic conditions for crops. Globally, research in this area has gained momentum as the impacts of climate change intensify, further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of these fragile ecosystems. In India, the technology was practiced diligently to control movement of sand dunesand to stop desertification extending further from the Thar desert. By integrating native tree species and adopting region-specific management practices, studies have shown that shelterbelts/ windbreaks can significantly improve soil fertility and crop yield, while also providing habitats for biodiversity and other ecosystem services. Furthermore, the socio-economic benefits for local communities, such as improved livelihoods and resilience against climatic extremes, underline the importance of windbreak research in these regions. This review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on windbreak and shelterbelt practices in India&rsquo;s arid landscapes, highlighting successful cases, trends in research and potential pathways for future research. By examining the multifaceted benefits of these ecological structures, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities and opening vistas for future research.

Shelterbelt and Windbreak Research in Arid India: A Review of Research Advances and Future Directions

Background: In Russia 5.2 million hectares of protective forest plantations were created on agricultural land. Forest strips optimize moisture turnover, heat and gas exchange of the territory and transform agrarian landscapes into more sustainable forest-agrarian ecosystems (agroforest landscapes). Studying the impact of shelterbelt forests on the transformation of soil properties in the context of climate change (organic carbon storage) is an important problem. The aim of our research was to study the effect of shelterbelt forests on soil indicators and to digitally map the contours of forest-meliorated soils on the test site using GIS-technology and field studies. 
 
Methods: In the present study, the methodology of soil studies in agroforested soils (1978) and the methodology of assessing the accumulation of substances in plants and soils in agroforested landscapes were used to study forest-meliorated soils. We proceeded from the position that the reclamation effect of forest belts occurs at a distance of 30 heights. The research was conducted from 2016 to 2022. 
 
Result: Research has established, that the soil profile under the forest belt has an organogenic horizon A0 (forest floor); the thickness of the humus horizon (A+B1) under the forest belt is 8-10 cm higher compared to other zones. Spatial distribution of humus content in the A+B1 horizon from the forest belt to the centers of inter-belt squares (zone 20H) is not characterized by great variability and clear patterns and on average makes 1.15-1.2%. The increase in calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content in the soil occurs in the direction from the forest belt to the 20H zone. The indicator of dense residue in terms of the content of readily soluble salts is not relevant in estimating the forest belt&rsquo;s influence on transformation of soil properties. A preliminary digital map of the contours of forest-reclaimed soils has been compiled. The obtained materials will serve as a basis for modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics of soils under forest belts in the zonal section and improving soil fertility in the interstrip space.

Shelterbelt and Windbreak Research in Arid India: A Review of Research Advances and Future Directions

Influence of Forest Strips on Changes in Soil Properties in the Agrolandscape