| Researcher(s) |
Nathan Craig |
|---|---|
| Contact email | ceo@wmgroup.org.au |
| Year(s) | 2018 - 2022 |
| Contributor | West Midlands Group |
| Trial location(s) |
Broomehill, WA
Cascade, WA Coomalbidgup, WA Dalwallinu, WA Darkan, WA Gorge Rock, WA Hines Hill, WA Kadathinni, WA Kalannie, WA Kojaneerup, WA Kurrenkutten, WA Mingenew, WA Moora, WA Morawa, WA Neridup, WA Salmon Gums, WA Tambellup, WA Wadderin, WA Yealering, WA Yuna, WA |
Growers in each port zone will use the demonstration sites to increase knowledge and adoption of deep ripping and controlled traffic farming used for alleviating soil constraints on the main soil types in each port zone and farming systems.
To determine the impact of early post emergent deep ripping on plant growth and grain yield compared to the standard grower practice of pre-seeding ripping across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region.
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
Overview
Soil amelioration is a critical strategy for overcoming soil limitations to crop production in Western Australian farming systems. This project, spanning from 2018 to 2022, was completed in two phases; 2018-2020 focused on Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type and 2021-2022 focused on Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping. The overall aim was to evaluate and demonstrate the benefits of soil amelioration across a diverse range of soil types common to the WA grain-growing region. The study involved a network of demonstration sites established across five port zones, with twenty-four sites set up in the 2018-2020 period by nine collaborating grower groups. The soil types tested ranged from sands to loamy soils, gravel and sand duplexes, forest gravels, and clay-based soils. The project also explored the effects of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping.
2018-2020: Soil Amelioration vs Soil Type
The initial phase of the project focused on evaluating soil amelioration practices across various soil types. Three standard treatments—ripping to 30cm, ripping to 60cm, and a local grower-based solution—were tested against a control (no amelioration). The range of crop species grown included predominantly cereal crops in 2018 and 2019, with half of the sites sown to canola in 2020.
The results showed significant variation in crop response to amelioration between sites, crop types, years, and seasonal conditions. While deep ripping demonstrated consistent benefits on deep sands, the benefits were less clear for other soil types. There was a trend of diminishing benefit for each soil amelioration treatment from 2018 to 2020. Treatments that resulted in a small grain yield benefit (less than 0.5t/ha) or negative yield penalty in the first year generally did not lead to increased grain yield in subsequent years. A key indicator that new soil amelioration practices will be effective in the medium term is a significant (greater than 0.5t/ha) grain yield benefit in the first year.
Economic analysis revealed a positive benefit for 60% of the soil amelioration treatments implemented across all sites after three years. The mean cumulative net return over three years was $164/ha for treatments with a positive return and -$154/ha for those with a negative return. The study concluded that there is a small and inconsistent benefit to deep ripping soil types other than the sandy soil types commonly deep ripped, and this practice should be thoroughly investigated by growers before developing a soil amelioration plan for their property.
2021-2022: Effects of Early Post Emergent Ripping
The second phase of the project evaluated the use of early post-emergent deep ripping as an alternative to traditional pre-seeding deep ripping. This method was explored to address issues such as increased wind erosion from bare and loose soil when deep ripping is completed in the autumn period before seeding.
Four sites were established across the Wheatbelt and Northern Agricultural region of WA to evaluate four timings of deep ripping compared to a control (nil ripping): pre-seeding, 1 week after sowing (1WAS), 3WAS, and 6WAS. Three sites were sown to wheat and one to canola into a moist soil bed to facilitate timely emergence, with each site managed uniformly using district best practice agronomy during each season.
The results indicated that plant establishment and early plant vigour were reduced across all early post-emergent ripping treatments, likely negatively impacting grain yield. Overall, grain yield was increased with the pre-seeding ripping treatment compared to the control, while early post-emergent ripping treatments were similar to the control, and the benefit of deep ripping was not realised. Reduced plant establishment through early post-emergent ripping often led to an increase in weed presence, likely causing management issues in successive crops.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The ‘Ripper Gauge’ project provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic viability of various soil amelioration practices across a diverse range of soil types in Western Australia. While deep ripping has shown benefits on deep sands, its application to other soil types presents challenges and requires thorough investigation. The study highlights the importance of understanding soil constraints, conducting trials, and adopting a data-driven approach to soil amelioration. By following the recommendations outlined, growers can make informed decisions that enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming operations.
| Lead research organisation |
West Midlands Group |
|---|---|
| Host research organisation | N/A |
| Trial funding source | GRDC 9176102_WMG1803_002SAX |
| Related program | N/A |
| Acknowledgments | N/A |
| Other trial partners | Not specified |
| Crop type | Pasture: Mixed species |
|---|---|
| Treatment type(s) |
|
| Trial type | Demonstration |
| Trial design | Unreplicated |
| Sow date | Not specified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest date | Not specified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plot size | 100m x 12m minimum size of each plot. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plot replication | Not specified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Psuedoreplication | Not specified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fertiliser |
Grower practice at each site. |
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| Herbicide |
Grower practice at each site. |
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| Insecticide |
Grower practice at each site. |
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| Fungicide |
Grower practice at each site. |
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| Pesticide |
Grower practice at each site. |
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| Soil amelioration |
Table of treatments used in the Ripper Gauge project. Any amelioration or combination of treatments could have been used at each site in the project.
Broomehill 2019
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