How to Find the Best Strip-Till Attachments for Your Farm

9/18/2024

Kennadi Harris

Switching to strip-tilling is an effective way to boost crop yields while practicing conservation. This method combines the benefits of traditional tilling and no-till systems to prepare a seedbed with minimal soil disturbance. By cultivating narrow strips of soil and leaving the rest of the field untouched, strip-tilling removes residue from the row area, allowing sunlight to warm the soil surface. This practice enhances soil health, conserves moisture, and speeds up the tillage process. Research has shown that implementing this method can increase your crop yields at higher rates than traditional tilling and no-till systems. So what do you need to do to find the best strip-till equipment for your farm? Let’s dive into it.

Types of Strip-Till Attachments

Coulters

The role of the coulters is to cut through residue and soil, crafting a clear pathway for planting, this limits soil disturbance while prepping the seedbed.

Row Cleaners

After the residue is cut, the row cleaners clean up what’s left over, raking the residue inside the tiller. A clean seedbed promotes rapid growth, making it an essential step for a healthy crop.

Shanks

The shank’s job is to go deep into the soil and loosen it up, alleviating compaction and ensuring smooth operation for planters.

Wavy Coulters or Hilling Discs

The wavy coulters or hilling discs fill the open, ripped slot and build up the planting zone.

Wheels

Finally, the wheels finish the job by breaking up clods and firming the soil. Firm soil ensures good seed-to-soil contact which is necessary for successful germination.

Factors to Consider

Soil Type

Before you get started on your strip-till operation, you need to consider your current soil type and condition. Selecting a strip-till rig that works best with your type of soil is a must. Harder soil could require more aggressive coulters to break up while softer soils need gentler attachments to prevent erosion. There are features available such as adjustable row cleaners or smart-depth mechanisms that can accommodate various soil textures.

Fertilizer Placement Options

For strip-tilling to be effective precise placement of nutrients is essential. When searching for strip-till attachments, evaluate the placement options available to ensure they are compatible with your field. Utilizing GPS systems can make this process much easier by precisely placing fertilizer and seed.

Crop Type

To optimize crop yield, pick equipment that’s best suited for your crop type. Crops such as corn can require deeper tillage while crops such as soybeans require less soil penetration.

Implementing strip-tillage into your operation can provide great benefits, especially if you choose the right attachments for your crop. Integrating John Deere Precision Ag Technology can further enhance efficiency by saving guidance lines, allowing you to plant over the same strips year after year. To learn more, reach out to our Precision Ag team at 660-395-8199. For more information on strip-tilling and how to find the right equipment for your farm, contact us or visit one of our 37 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and New York.