Join Tanja Morgan in the MSF farm talk podcast as she discusses methods to manage sandy soils and soil compaction with Rodrigo de Silva and Therese McBeath, research scientists at CSIRO.

The episode covers identifying soil issues using penetrometers, the importance of understanding soil profiles, and differences between compaction, cementation, and hard setting. Practical tips for farmers on deep ripping, soil moisture considerations, and controlled traffic systems are also explored.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Identifying Soil Compaction Issues

01:25 Tools and Techniques for Measuring Soil Strength

02:14 Understanding Soil Profiles and Ripping Depths

05:13 Compaction vs. Hard Setting and Cementation

07:04 Addressing Hard Setting Soils

11:01 Controlled Traffic Systems and Ripping Strategies

12:51 Economic Considerations and Fertilizer Inputs

13:44 Practical Tips for Farmers

15:34 Conclusion and Farewell

For more info check out the following GRDC factsheets:

The villains of hard subsurface layers in sandy soils click here

Measuring soil strength with a penetrometer click here

A penetrometer is a great tool to have on farm if you are planning on deep ripping. For a small investment you can monitor the compaction in your paddocks and monitor the success and longevity of your ripping operations. 

A simple to use penetrometer can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3GseNMf