Talking with Your Landlord: Strip-Tillage
Many landowners are looking for young, innovative farmers who are committed to sustainable land management and conservation. As they plan for the future care of their land, they often seek tenants who practice responsible farming methods that protect soil health and water quality. By developing strong conservation, communication, and financial skills, Emerging Farmers can stand out in their communities and gain a competitive advantage when working with potential landlords. Building relationships with landowners who value conservation-minded farming can open doors to long-term leasing opportunities and business growth. This publication series provides an initial roadmap to help farmers develop these essential skills and offers valuable resources for continued learning.
What is Strip-Till?
Strip-tillage is a soil conservation practice that combines the benefits of traditional tillage with the soil-protecting advantages of no-till. It involves tilling a narrow strip of soil—typically 6 to 12 inches wide—while leaving the rest of the field undisturbed. This method creates an optimal seedbed by warming and drying the tilled area quickly in the spring, which helps with early-season plant development. Meanwhile, the untouched soil between the strips remains covered with crop residue, protecting it from erosion, improving moisture retention, and promoting soil health.
The Dollars and Sense of Strip-Till
Every pass across a field with a tillage implement has costs—fuel, labor, time, and equipment maintenance all add up. While strip-till requires an initial investment in specialized equipment, it offers long-term financial and agronomic benefits. By reducing the number of tillage passes, farmers can lower fuel costs, minimize soil compaction, and extend the lifespan of their machinery.
How Strip-Tillage Works
Strip-tillage can be performed in the fall after harvest or in the spring before planting. The process typically involves using GPS guidance to ensure that planters align precisely with the tilled strips. This alignment provides optimal seed-to-soil contact, which is crucial for germination and early plant growth. Many strip-till systems also incorporate fertilizer placement within the tilled strips, making nutrients more accessible to emerging crops. When combined with variable rate application technology, this targeted approach can improve nutrient efficiency, reduce fertilizer costs, and potentially boost yields.
Another advantage of strip-till is its adaptability to different soil conditions. It is particularly beneficial for poorly drained soils and moderately sloping fields, where full no-till may not be the best option. However, strip-tillage is not a substitute for no-till on highly erodible land, as the tilled strips remain vulnerable to erosion, even when laid out on the contour.
By implementing strip-till, farmers can improve soil health, increase efficiency, and demonstrate a commitment to conservation—an approach that can make them more attractive to landowners looking for responsible stewards of their land.
