One of the methods used to reduce moisture loss and therefore erosion is used in North Dakota and is known as 'no till' farming. It was featured in an issue of the National Geographic magazine (which is an excellent resource if you can actually get past the decorative effect of having a shelf-full and actually read them from time to time...)
The farmers use herbicides to eliminate weeds, and plant new seeds directly into the stubble of last year's crop. This reduces wind erosion losses by up to 50%, and reduces evaporation of soil moisture. A two inch stubble keeps evaporation down, and also traps snow that would otherwise blow away, and when this melts it produces water as well. It has the effect of virtually adding 25% to the precipitation.
Ironically, this was the method that used to be used in the 40's before the arrival of the 'big iron': the tractor and farmers developed 'clean surface syndrome'. Sunflowers are also planted in rows between the wheat to keep the wind off the crop. The main threat is from severe hailstorms.
For information on MANAGEMENT PRACTICES that help reduce erosion try the excellent illustrated site from Purdue University.
A related issue is that of FOOTPATH EROSION.