EasyDiesel tool calculates deep ripping decisions

RESEARCHERS from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are hoping that a new online tool can support farmers with understanding the financial impact of deep ripping based on current diesel prices.

The Gulf conflict has seen national fuel prices surge and fuel availability drop in recent weeks, with timing particularly tricky for grain growers who are deep ripping paddocks and preparing for the seeding window of April to June.

Released by DPIRD this month, the free EasyDiesel Calculator enables farmers to determine the ongoing viability of their ripping program before actually spending any money.

The tool’s quick analysis feature calculates the break-even figure for fuel ($/L) or yield (kg/ha) through the user inputting current fuel price, grain price and their expected yield response to deep ripping.

Senior Research Scientist Wayne Parker, based at DPIRD Geraldton, said while the tool wasn’t a solution to the pressures facing farmers, it could give them some confidence when making financial decisions around soil management.

“Despite diesel prices, it could still be worth deep ripping,” he told soilswest.org.au. “It’s important that farmers do the sums specific to their yield responses.

“As we know, a successful deep ripping program can have up to three years of benefits, though this is dependent on soil type, re-compaction and other factors.

“We’ve had some heartening feedback from farmers and advisors who have already used the tool, so we encourage others to do the same.”

The EasyDiesel Calculator also offers a full analysis feature, where users can input additional cost parameters including maximum yield response, minimum yield response, fuel use, work rate, depreciation, wages and machinery repairs.

The tool is available through the Soil Quality Knowledge Base at https://soilqualityknowledgebase.org.au/resources/easy-diesel-calculator/