Tackling Compaction with Strategic Ripping
From MSF Farm Talk Podcast by Mallee Sustainable Farming
July 24, 2025 · 16 min · Season 6 · Episode 26
About this episode
This episode discusses the causes and solutions for compacted sandy soils, focusing on strategic deep ripping.
In this episode of MSF FarmTalk’s 101 Soils Questions series, we explore what’s really going on beneath the surface when it comes to compacted sandy soils. Nick Paltridge chats with Nigel Wilhelm about the causes of compaction, how to identify it, and how strategic deep ripping can improve root access to water and nutrients. They also discuss why timing, tine design, and ripping depth make a big difference to results. Whether you’re questioning if you’ve got compaction or weighing up the cost of amelioration, this episode offers practical knowledge you can use to assess your paddocks and improve decisions. 📚 Want more soil know-how? This episode is based on questions from the 101 Soils Questions book, developed with support from SAGIT. You can download your free copy from Soils Connect . This episode is part of the MSF FarmTalk – 101 Soils Questions podcast series and is proudly supported by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT). Special thanks to SARDI's Nigel Wilhelm for sharing his expertise. Support the show: https://msfp.org.au/about/membership/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Host: Nick Paltridge
Guest: Nigel Wilhelm
Topics covered
- soil compaction
- strategic ripping
- agriculture
- root access
- nutrient management
- sandy soils
Keywords
- soil compaction
- deep ripping
- agriculture
- root access
- nutrients
- amelioration
- SAGIT
Sponsors
South Australian Grain Industry Trust
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: SAGIT, SARDI, Soils Connect
Books & works: 101 Soils Questions
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