ABSTRACT CLIMATE is the greatest single factor that influ-ences wind erosion control. Much of the Great Plains has insufficient precipitation for profitable annual cropping under present dryland cropping prac-tices. Moisture conservation and residue maintenance should always be considered when contemplating a tillage operation. The primary purposes of tillage are to control weeds, reduce erosion and prepare a desirable seedbed. Weeds must be controlled to conserve mois-ture and reduce competition with crops. Frequently, weeds can be controlled with herbicides or suitable crop rotations, thereby reducing the need for tillage operations. The most common type of minimum tillage system in winter wheat production for reducing wind erosion has been stubble-mulch farming. Vegetative cover is required on the soil surface at all times for erosion control. The amount and kind of residue neces-sary to protect a particular soil from wind erosion de-termines the sequence and type of tillage needed. Characteristics of tillage equipment need to be con-sidered for weed control and maintenance of residues. Seeding equipment must place seed firmly into moist soil while maintaining a protective cover of residue on the soil surface. Wind erosion can be controlled by anchoring residue between the rows and maintaining good soil cloddiness and surface roughness. Minimum tillage systems will aid in residue maintenance, moisture conservation, erosion control and reducing energy requirements.