What practice involves using a deep tillage tool to alleviate soil compaction to enhance root growth?

The practice referred to in the question is ripping, which involves the use of a deep tillage tool designed to break up compacted soil layers. This process enhances root growth by creating a more favorable environment for roots to penetrate and expand. Compacted soils can restrict root development, limit water infiltration, and decrease nutrient access, making it difficult for plants to thrive. By ripping the soil, the structure is improved, allowing for better aeration and drainage, which ultimately leads to healthier plants.

In contrast, fallowing entails leaving land unplanted for a season to conserve soil moisture or nutrients; it does not directly address soil compaction. Banding refers to the practice of applying fertilizers or seeds in concentrated strips rather than broadcasting them uniformly, which is unrelated to soil compaction relief. Strip tilling is a conservation tillage practice that involves tilling only a narrow strip of soil where seeds will be planted while leaving the rest of the soil undisturbed, which may not fully address deeper soil compaction issues.