striptill

Strip-till is a conservation tillage method that prepares a narrow, seedbed-ready strip in the field while leaving the remaining soil covered with crop residue. The approach seeks to combine the soil-friendly benefits of reduced disturbance with the agronomic advantages of fertilizer placement and early planting, helping to protect soil structure and moisture.

Using specialized equipment, farmers loosen and condition a strip where seed will be placed, and often place fertilizer (and sometimes lime) in that zone. The rest of the field is left undisturbed, with residue retained on the surface to reduce erosion and suppress weeds and to improve moisture retention and soil biology.

Potential benefits include reduced soil erosion and runoff, improved soil moisture efficiency, lower fuel and labor requirements, and faster, more uniform emergence compared with conventional tillage. It can also allow more timely planting by establishing a ready seedbed at a controlled depth.

Effectiveness depends on soil type, residue level, moisture, and timing. Strip-till may be less suitable in very sticky clays or sandy soils with poor structure, and may require careful calibration of equipment and fertilizer rates. There is an upfront cost for strip-till implements and ongoing maintenance, though operating costs may be lower over time.

Strip-till emerged in the late 20th century as a nod to conservation agriculture and precision farming. It is widely used for row crops such as corn and soybeans in North America and elsewhere, often integrated with residue management and precision nutrient placement strategies.