When visiting with strip-tillers, I'll usually take stock of what precision technology and practices they're using in their operation. And I'm always intrigued when strip-tillers tell me implement-guidance systems are among the precision tools they've tested or adopted.

Farming in north-central Illinois, Cade Bushnell doesn't have the luxury of naturally high organic matter in his primarily sandy clay soils or a consistent weather pattern he can count on each year to produce a bumper corn crop.

In our last edition of Strip-Till Strategies, I shared some perspectives on best practices and precautions for building phosphorus levels in strip-till. We also asked our readers to share their experiences and advice on how they manage phosphorus in strip-tilled fields. Based on the feedback we received, it seemed worth revisiting the topic here.

Having broadcast dry fertilizer for years, Nebraska strip-tillers Ray and Kevin Kucera began to question the long-term value of the practice, especially after moving to strip-till 5 years ago.

Strip-tillers tend to be particularly conscious of when, where and how much fertilizer they apply to promote long-term yield consistency. Some prefer to broadcast potash, while others see the benefits of deep-placement of phosphorus and potassium beneath the strip.

For years, the annual field preparation routine for Dresden, Ontario, farmer Mark Richards included a minimum of three tillage passes ahead of planting.

The comfort zone for most strip-tillers tends to be 30-inch rows. It offers ample space for corn to emerge and equipment setup and maintenance is easier.

A move to strip-tilling corn with a homemade unit was an efficient path to consistent yields for Illinois farmer Charlie Durdan.

Farming in Weston, Neb., in the eastern part of the state, Ron Kadavy is accustomed to dealing with high winds, low humidity and inconsistent rainfall on his 2,000-acre corn and soybean operation.

After spending a few days recently at the Agricultural Electronics Industry Foundation's (AEF) PlugFest, I came away with a renewed sense of how important technology is to the success of strip-till.