Here we are revisiting a post by Quenten Knight from 2015:
Below are two Satamap images showing the crop biomass response in a deep ripping trial to decompact soil (Sand) that was previously compacted by random traffic, clay spreading and incorporation.
The trial strip was ripped to 600mm using a Grizzly deep digger in March 2014, a 12% yield response was achieved in 2014.
With the visual response observed in the Satamap images this season (2015) we are expecting a much bigger yield response. The ripped treatment has handled the dry Spring conditions much better with its ability to access soil moisture much deeper in the soil profile.
The Satamap imagery has been a useful tool to further validate the response to deep ripping before implementation on responsive soil types over the whole farm.
Image Taken 30th September 2015 (Fathom Barley)
Image Taken 10th October 2015 (Fathom Barley)