[Pil-pc-oceania] Swales and deep ripping

[Sam Downing]

Hi all,

A few questions for those more experienced with
swales, contour and deep ripping.  We're setting up a
bushfood garden at a school in Swan Hill, on a fairly
flat, levelled former playing field.  I was chatting
with the Environment Manager at Swan Hill council
about our plans to construct swales planted with
wattles and other bushfood trees.  She told me swales
won't work here (!?!) as there's not enough rainfall,
no runoff and sandy soils.  The soils are indeed
sandy, but clay not far below the surface.  She
suggested deep ripping.  I'm new to this area and
don't know too much about how they do things round
here...

So, can anyone clue me in a bit more on deep ripping? 
What it is, how to do it well, what not to do?  A bit
of research has turned up the Yeomans Slipper...I
don't know much more.  Do I construct the swale, then
rip later?  

All tips and ideas are welcome.  Also, anyone know
other permies in the Swan Hill area?

Sam


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