Turning Dirt at WMG Pop-up Machinery Demo Days

Jun 20,2025 Events, Soil Amelioration Project, 2025, Events, RAD2406,

By Simon Kruger & Kate Parker, WMG

In early June, more than 45 farmers and industry representatives attended two WMG-hosted pop-up machinery demonstration days focused on soil amelioration techniques. The first was held at Graham ‘Johno’ Johnson’s property, Learna, in Dandaragan. The second took place at the van Beeks’ Boxhall Road paddock in Gillingarra.

These events provided an opportunity to compare different implements and discuss strategies for addressing soil water repellence, compaction, and subsoil constraints across a variety of soil types and paddock conditions.

At the first event, Ben and Sean Plozza demonstrated their new ‘Fanga’ ripper-mixer on a gravel and shallow duplex paddock – ideal conditions for this implement. Johno and his team welcomed interested attendees to observe several paddocks being ameliorated and see the machine in action.

The Plozza ‘Fanga’ paired with the Case IH Quadtrac 550

The ‘Fanga’ was paired with a Case IH Quadtrac 550 for the first demonstration reaching a working depth of around 350mm. Observers noted that the tool’s mixing action created a more continuous and well mixed profile in the gravel and shallow duplex soils.

Ben Plozza (left) talking to the group about the ripping and mixing job the ‘Fanga’ has done on the gravel and shallow duplex soils.

The second event, held at the van Beeks’ paddock, formed part of the GRDC-funded Soil Water Repellence Project. The site features highly variable soils, including gravel, shallow duplex, and sand. On display were the Plozza Plow, the Plozza ‘Fanga’, and the Horsch Tiger 6MT, giving attendees a chance to compare their performance under similar conditions.

Horsch rep Jp Coetzer explaining some of the Horsch Tiger’s features.

The Tiger 6MT was shown operating in a single pass at a depth of approximately 250mm, with its multi-stage configuration incorporating discs, tines, levelling tools, and rollers. Attendees noted differences in how the machines approached mixing versus inversion, as well as their relative suitability to sandy versus gravelly profiles.

Brad van Beek inspecting some of the Plozza Plow discs with Sean Plozza after a few test runs.

A key takeaway from both events was clear: no single machine suits every situation. Different implements offer strengths depending on the soil type, the desired working depth, and the dominant constraint being addressed. If you’re considering deep tillage or soil inversion techniques, make sure you understand your soil profile, choose the right tool for the job, and trial it before adopting more broadly. And don’t underestimate the value of simply digging – a shovel can reveal a lot.

WMG extends sincere thanks to:

Graham Johnson and his team for hosting the first event
Brendan and Brad van Beek for hosting the second event and trial site
Ben and Sean Plozza for sharing their machinery and expertise
Jim Hamilton for supplying the Horsch Tiger at short notice
Alastair Crooks (AFGRI Moora) for coordinating Horsch representative JP Coetzer’s attendance

While Johno’s paddock is not part of WMG’s monitoring program, the van Beeks’ Boxhall Road site is one of three demonstration sites in the Soil Water Repellence Project. The other two sites include:

Tim Creagh’s sandy gravel paddock on Waddi Road, Dandaragan (established and monitored throughout 2024)
John Minty’s deep yellow sand site on Rowes Road, Dandaragan

WMG will continue to host events and share findings from these sites across the season. Keep an eye on the WMG website and the Soil Water Repellence Project page for updates and results.