Strip-Till Farmer
www.striptillfarmer.com/articles/4674-stf-discussion-is-strip-till-a-solution-to-soil-stratification
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STF Discussion: Is Strip-Till a Solution to Soil Stratification?

February 2, 2023

The Strip-Till Farmer email discussion group gives strip-tillers an easy way to exchange ideas and share advice. Click HERE to sign up for free and join the conversation.

Here’s our question of the week:

Q: We often hear of no-tillers struggling with soil stratification — the accumulation of fertilizer in the surface. Has stratification been a problem with any of you for strip-till corn? Or do you think strip-till is the solution to the soil stratification challenge?

A: Yes, strip till improves the stratification problem, especially compared to no-till.

          - Paul Groneberg, Hoffman, Minn. 

A: The entomologist at our farm show had a great 15 minute spiel about worms and how they move nutrients up and down in the soil.

The Hefty brothers had a great example several years ago of manure being injected in the soil, much like our strip-till units would be putting fertilizer down, and you could see at the depth of application the richness in the soil. They also did a 1-inch increment soil test, and when you got down to that zone the soil tests really improved vs. no-till or conventional-till methods that broadcast fertilizer on top.

I think there is also a big difference between no-till and soil health no-till. There is a lot of dead non-functioning dirt in no-till because it's just a corn-bean rotation with no cover crops, and still just pouring on all the chemicals, herbicides and fungicides. With soil health no-till, I would expect that the life in the soil would be helping move the nutrients? We know soil life and cover crops are going to build a natural fertility in the soil, and they're going to do it down lower where there is moisture in the soil.

          - Jon Stevens, Rush City, Minn. 

What are your thoughts? Click here to join in on the conversation!

Noah newman web

Noah Newman

Noah Newman started at Lessiter Media in March 2022 as Associate Editor for No-Till Farmer, Strip-Till Farmer and Cover Crop Strategies. He previously worked in broadcast journalism as a sports anchor/reporter for television stations in central Illinois and most recently Jackson, Mississippi, where he was named the state’s sportscaster of the year by the National Sports Media Association. The Cleveland, Ohio, native enjoys engaging with growers, learning extensively about their operations, and sharing impactful stories with the audience.

Contact: nnewman@lessitermedia.com