Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, often due to heavy farm machinery passes, the downward pressure of livestock, or stress from long dry periods, reducing the pore spaces between them. This poor soil structure causes waterlogging and prevents deep, healthy root growth as plants struggle to access the required nutrients and moisture in the soil. Compacted soil, known as "hardpans," is very dense and makes it harder for water, air, and plant roots to penetrate, which is essential for healthy crop establishment. Other effects of compaction include reduced soil micro-organisms and an increased risk of topsoil erosion.
Deep ripping (or simply “ripping”) is a form of deep tillage. It is a soil preparation technique that involves using specialised machinery, like deep ripper ploughs (also known as “subsoilers”) with strong, narrow shanks (or ‘tynes’), to penetrate beneath and fracture hardpans and compaction that have built up in the subsoil. When implemented correctly, deep ripping improves water infiltration, plant root penetration, and overall soil health.
Deep rippers “rip” beneath compacted soil layers to loosen and aerate the subsoil while preserving the surface's organic matter and fertile topsoil. The shank’s blade pierces the ground down to the working depth, acting as a wedge that lifts the soil. This lifting action causes the soil to fracture and crack upwards. The shattered clods then crumble around the shank as it moves through the ground, aerating and loosening the soil.
![Shallow roots and weak crops limited by soil compaction [left] vs longer roots and larger crops not restricted by hard compacted layer after deep ripping [right].](http://www.agrowplow.com.au/cdn/shop/files/Deep_ripping_comparison_2_816x550_crop_right.jpg?v=1716336030)
Photo: Shallow roots and weak crops limited by soil compaction [left] vs longer roots and larger crops not restricted by hard compacted layer after deep ripping [right].
When it comes to choosing between a tyne or disc opener for your seed drill, each option comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. In this article we compare the pros and cons and discover which options are best suited to certain conditions.
