While scrolling X for some inspiration for this week’s Best of the Web, I came across an interesting discussion between a few well-known strip-tillers. Beaver Dam, Wis., strip-tiller Ryan Nell (National Strip-Tillage Conference All-Star) drew up the following scenario.

“What would happen if all acres of corn and beans in the U.S. went to 1-pass strip-till? Which industries, besides strip-till manufacturers, would benefit the most and which ones would suffer the most?

“I’m thinking equipment manufacturers would be hit hard. Greatly lowering amount of hours put on tractors. Chemical companies would benefit from more potential herbicide applications in the short term. The need for airflows and spinners would be gone.”

Monte Bottens, Cambridge, Ill., farmer and founder of Ag Solutions Network, brought Grok into the conversation, asking the AI assistant to weigh in. “What is the overall impact on soil loss, nutrient loss and yield should conventional tillage switch to strip-till? Let the no-till guys keep no-tilling.”

Here’s how Grok responded to Bottens’ prompt.

“Switching conventional tillage to strip-till on U.S. corn/soy acres would cut soil erosion by 50-87% and nutrient runoff (esp. P & sediment) by similar margins, per USDA/university extension studies, thanks to 30-70% more surface residue and better infiltration. Yields hold steady or rise slightly long-term (often matching or beating chisel-plow systems) with fewer field passes and lower costs. Soil health improves without hurting no-till acres. Solid win for Conservation.”

“Pretty impactful after Grok mines all the data to come to a conclusion like this,” says Chris Perkins, 2024 Strip-Till Innovator from Otwell, Ind.

Less erosion and runoff, more residue, better infiltration, higher yields and improved soil health. What’s not to like? Yet another reminder of the many benefits strip-till has to offer.  

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