We have conducted a series of experiments at Trangie, Warren, Narrabri and Moree to examine the use of shallow leading tines in conjunction with rippers. Ripper depths of 300, 450 and 600 mm have been investigated.

The presence of right-angle bending in cotton tap roots clearly shows the restrictions which degradation of soil structure imposes on cotton growth.

Ripping (deep soil working ) can give conflicting responses. Sometimes it i ncreases cotton yields and other times it de creases cotton yields.