Deep sandy Mallee soils are poor performing and highly susceptible to soil erosion. However, recent findings from local research activities have shown that crop productivity on these soils can be significantly enhanced through the implementation of deep ripping.

Deep ripping reduces the soils penetration resistance allowing the roots to grow deeper into the soil and access soil water and nutrients that were not accessed be before. This enhances the productivity of the crop and local trials have measured a 40-100% increase in crop growth and yield.

The objective of this project is to increase productivity and groundcover on the Mallee regions deep sandy soils (sand dunes) through increased adoption of deep ripping. Several demonstration sites have been established with farmers in collaboration with industry experts to help address some key questions around deep ripping such as best timing, tyne spacing, depth of operation and the use of inclusion plates.