Sand country ecology: Sand country agriculture

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Just as wind and water were the two important instruments in the formation of the sand country so are they two of the most important factors which have to be constantly born in mind in its farming.
Whether or not sand country can be farmed profitably is determined by the ability of the farmer to establish and maintain useful pastures. That some sand country is unprofitable for farming is illustrated by the sight of fences which have been erected on it and which have not only been covered bv wind-blown sand but also uncovered later by the wind. Farming of sand country can, therefore, commence only where there is a reasonable chance of there being a minimum amount of damage to pastures and crops from drifting sand.
Coastal protection with spinifex, marram grasss and often trees, is usually necessary to form a protective screen to farms where there is a danger from drifting sand.
Farming of sand country, therefore, starts behind this protective screen.