I think regardless of the tool used, incorporating humus into the soil is key to getting a better soil consistency & structure... you may need sand as well. Wood chips, compost, grass clippings, seaweed, cow manure, etc. will soften the structure and keep it from bricking up the same way on you. I think the ripper/middle buster idea is good for getting the depth workable, then a disk or tiller would work the organics into the mix. You can look at sweep, chisel and plow fronts to put on the middle buster.
It sounds like soil that would hardpan easily, so a disc might be the best option for getting established... a tiller will smear clay over time...
I have been dealing with softer and richer-looking clay here. It is challenging--I found wood chips and grass layers from years past down in 'the pan' and flipped it this year. I think it will good stuff, but it took me right to the initial clay layer I started attempting to work 10 years ago. Getting a deep enough bed for what you want to grow--and keeping it loose enough to infiltrate will be a challenge, and require substantial amendment. The issue with adding is that you increase your soil volume/depth over time and the bottom will get 'deeper', and harder to reach with tiller. If a lawn is what you're looking for though, you won't need to be preparing it annually--only once
This will be a building year for the future, so a legume crop over the amended soil will keep erosion down and work passages to your bottom clay, as well as add organics and nitrogen for next year.
It sounds like soil that would hardpan easily, so a disc might be the best option for getting established... a tiller will smear clay over time...
I have been dealing with softer and richer-looking clay here. It is challenging--I found wood chips and grass layers from years past down in 'the pan' and flipped it this year. I think it will good stuff, but it took me right to the initial clay layer I started attempting to work 10 years ago. Getting a deep enough bed for what you want to grow--and keeping it loose enough to infiltrate will be a challenge, and require substantial amendment. The issue with adding is that you increase your soil volume/depth over time and the bottom will get 'deeper', and harder to reach with tiller. If a lawn is what you're looking for though, you won't need to be preparing it annually--only once
This will be a building year for the future, so a legume crop over the amended soil will keep erosion down and work passages to your bottom clay, as well as add organics and nitrogen for next year.
