Page 1 of 5 Destroyed Windbreaks as One of The Main Causes of Agricultural Production Decrease in Georgia Introduction Windbreaks have long been recognized for protecting soils, crops and livestock. The main positive influence of windbreaks on adjoin agricultural lands and yield increase consists in the fact that they are mechanical obstacle to wind current and significantly di- minish its speed and turbulence. This fact influences on microcli- mate of lower part of the atmosphere near the earth of about 2-3m., namely, microclimate of soil formation, snow allocation on soil, hydrological process, underground water conditions etc. So, on ag- ricultural land defended by windbreaks are created favorable con- ditions for growing plants to increase annual yield. They influence evaporation, transpiration, wind erosion, snow drifting and crop yields. Windbreaks are major component of successful agricultur- al systems throughout the world [1]. Usually they are consisting of trees and shrubs. Throughout the history they have been used to protect homes, crops and livestock, diminish wind erosion and blowing snow, provide habitat for wildlife and enhance the agricul- tural yields [2,3]. By some sauce’s windbreaks have their origins in the mid- 1400s when the Scottish Parliament urged the planting of tree belts to protect agricultural production [4]. From that time shelterbelts have been used extensively throughout the world [5-7]. Besides crops field shelterbelts increase yield of forage crops. The increases are due to reduction of wind erosion, improved microclimate, snow retention and reduced crop damage by strong winds [8]. Crops dif- fer in their responsiveness to shelterbelts. From the field and for- age crops tested, winter wheat, barley, rye, millet, alfalfa and hay (mixed grasses and legumes) appeared to be highly responsive to protection, while spring wheat, oats and corn, respond to a lesser degree [9,10]. Shelterbelt height and longevity, field width and shel- terbelt orientation are major consideration in determine the effect of shelterbelts on crop yields. Precipitations have an effect on the percentage of yield increase too. Generally, percentage of yield is higher in drier regions and drier years [11]. An analysis of yield increase was summarized on worldwide study in 1986 at the First International Windbreak Conference and indicated significant yield increases for winter wheat (23%), soy- beans (15%) and corn (12%) [8]. While windbreaks have positive impact on crop yields, it declines on the agricultural lands closely adjacent to windbreaks. Competition between tree and crop roots for soil moisture and shading is likely the primary cause for yield reduction on lands adjacent to windbreaks [8]. The greatest yield increase occurs between 2 and 6 ha and then starts to decrease as *Corresponding author: Tamaz Patarkalashvili, Technical University of Georgia, Center Studying Productive Forces and Natural Resources of Georgia, Georgia. Received Date: May 07, 2019 Published Date: May 22, 2019 ISSN: 2641-6379 DOI: 10.33552/WJASS.2019.02.000535 World Journal of Agriculture and Soil Science Review Article Copyright © All rights are reserved by Tamaz Patarkalashvili This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License WJASS.MS.ID.000535. Tamaz Patarkalashvili* Technical University of Georgia, Center Studying Productive Forces and Natural Resources of Georgia, Georgia Abstract Windbreaks have very important economic, social and environmental value for sustainable development of the country. They increase crop and fruit quality and yield in sheltered areas by providing lower temperatures, increasing relative humidity and retaining soil moisture, reducing damage of soil erosion due to strong winds. The first windbreaks have been planted in Georgia in the early 1960s. Since that time they were developed in all agricultural lands in East and West parts of the country and played their positive role in increasing yields of different kind of crops (wheat, rye, corn, barley etc.), especially in East Georgia, as well as in West Georgia-tea and citrus yields (mandarins, oranges, lemons feijoas). In the Soviet period windbreaks always maintained well. This situation continued until 1991 when the Soviet Union broke up and the period of full chaos began. In process of natural gas and electricity deficit the local population logged and destroyed better part of nearby forests and windbreaks for firewood and cooking. These and other questions regarding windbreaks importance and need of their reconstruction are discussed in the article. Keywords: Windbreak; Crop; Grass; Pasture; Agriculture; Yield; Sustainability