Longevity of deep ripping and topsoil inclusion in soils under controlled traffic farming; evidence from the second season

2016
CC BY 4.0

Research organisatons
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Wayne Parker (DAFWA)
Year(s) 2016
Contributor West Midlands Group
Trial location(s) Dandaragan, WA
Longevity of deep ripping and topsoil inclusion in soils under controlled traffic farming; evidence from the second season locations
Aims

To test increasing the economic viability of deep ripping using controlled traffic and the addition of topsoil and ameliorants to the subsoil.

Key messages

The results from this trial show the importance of ripping below the hard pan with deeper ripping. The hard pan at this site measured to a depth of 400mm prior to the ripping treatments going in. Ripping to 300mm, without spading, has not improved yield in either of the first two seasons as plant roots are slowed through the hard pan. For return on the dollars spent deep ripping it is important to understand where the hardpan is in your paddock before starting the program.

It is likely that the topsoil slotting plates are impacting the inter-row soil strength during the ripping process. Therefore the design needs investigation. It may be that additional shatter is required through winged points allowing the plates to pass through with less impact.

Monitoring of this trial continues during 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Lead research organisation Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Host research organisation West Midlands Group
Trial funding source GRDC
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

The research undertaken as part of this project is made possible by the significant contributions of growers through both trial cooperation and the support of the GRDC, the authors would like to thank them for their continued support. Key assistance came from ‘Johno’ at Lawson Grains also Chad Reynolds, Jana Kendle, Jo Walker, Anne Smith, Mario d’Antuono.


Other trial partners Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Barley
Treatment type(s)
  • Engineering: Tillage
  • Management systems: Controlled traffic
  • Soil Improvement
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Replicated

Dandaragan 2016

Sow date 12 May 2016
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size 3.5m x 20m
Plot replication 4
Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Dandaragan, WA Deep yellow sand
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Dandaragan, WA Tenosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Dandaragan WA
2016 103.9mm
2015 103.9mm
2014 94.8mm
2013 121.8mm
2012 132.3mm
2011 96.9mm
2010 84.2mm
2009 110.1mm
2008 97.5mm
2007 51.3mm
2006 74.4mm
2005 95.5mm
2004 91.7mm
2003 90.5mm
2002 32.9mm
2001 35.4mm
2000 114.0mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

Loading

Climate

Dandaragan WA 2016


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 321mm

Derived climate information

Dandaragan WA

Loading
Loading
Loading

Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2016 trial report



Trial last modified: 23-07-2019 14:48pm AEST