The editors of No-Till Farmer unearthed a large number of equipment innovations at the 2011 Farm Progress Show, held Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 in Decatur, Ill.

One reason why growers are turning to strip-till is so they can place nutrients in the soil where plants need them.

Using single-disc fertilizer openers instead of shanks to apply expensive fertilizer can help no-tillers save money on labor, fuel and equipment and improve no-till profitability.

Shifting from conventional tillage to no-till often requires a lot of physical change in your operation. Just as importantly, adopting this new way of farming demands a strong dose of faith during a transition period that might take several years. I like to joke it’s the same kind of devotion it takes to make a good marriage work.

Strip-tilling helps manage residue, increase continuous-corn yields and protect the soil, say four Iowa strip-tillers and an ag retailer who have been using the system for years.