Ripper mulchers have saved more than 800 hectares of soil in Cradle Coast region from being washed out to sea during the last growing season.

And the good news is that two new modified ripper mulchers are now available.

The recent rain is good news for water supplies, but many farmers are looking to the future to ensure that their precious soils aren’t being washed away. ‘The wet season in 2005 meant that large numbers of crops were washed away and had to be re-established,’ said Guy Robertson of Cradle Coast NRM. ‘Not only was soil lost, but also fertilizer and topsoil which carries the organic matter. The loss of pre-emergent herbicides reduces the effectiveness of weed control effects.’

‘The aim of the project is to protect a minimum of 500 hectares of vulnerable cropping land from erosion. At the end of the season we had exceeded our minimum requirement by 300 hectares, with a total of 800 hectares protected from erosion using the Ripper Mulcher Machines,’ Mr Robertson said.

Look out for small white flags in the field where the ripper mulchers are in use. The flags are used to mark the rip lines for the ripper mulcher along the contours of sloped paddocks. Straw mulch is applied along the rip lines as mulch to reduce erosion.

The ripper mulchers are funded by the Australian Government through Cradle Coast NRM.

Ripper mulchers are available for hire free of charge. For use, contact Agronico on 0418 534 017.