If you want to know just how important precision is to strip-till, Steve Cubbage has a pretty good answer. The ability, in recent years, to use technology to repeat passes in the same location time after time is what has made strip-till a viable production system, the Nevada, Mo., strip-tiller says.

As more producers move toward no-till systems for conservation compliance and to reduce costs, some have chosen strip-till. Research shows strip-till corn yields have been slightly higher and more consistent than no-till in some areas.

It's clear from the introductions at farm shows over the last few years that strip-till is growing in use.

When strip-tilling, it is essential to have the proper planting depth and use trash whippers to move remaining residue off the row area. I also recommend a split application of nitrogen and the use of readily available nitrogen sources such as UAN or ammonium nitrate.