Whether they're veterans or rookies, six strip-tillers across the U.S. are paying close attention to their fertilizer programs to maximize profitable production of corn, soybeans and other crops. By varying fertilizer rates, timing, placement and equipment, strip-tillers have improved early root development, fertilizer efficiency and profitability.

In this section of the ILF Strip-Tillage Crop Management video "Farmers' Perspective on Strip-Till" experienced Iowa strip-tillers offer their thoughts on a fertilizer program when using this conservation practice.

When I ask strip-tillers these days how the growing season went, yields are obviously top of mind, particularly this year as a result of the Midwestern drought and the impact on soil moisture levels.

Strip-till works well for Chatsworth, Ill., farmer Tim McGreal, whose family started strip-tilling in the 1990s.

After no-tilling corn for 25 years, Jim Greif of Monticello, Iowa, turned to strip-till in the fall of 2010.

After no-tilling continuous corn for a year, Palo, Iowa, farmer Jim Keiper started strip-tilling corn to improve the seedbed, crop emergence, stand and yields.

"Jeff,"? a 9-year strip-tiller from northwest Kansas, discusses his search for a strip-till unit and he'd like your suggestions. He's been using a DMI 5310 12-row machine but is look at trading it. Mostly DMI and Orthman machines are used in his region.

Driving between Des Moines and Milwaukee earlier this week, it gave me some time to reflect on the choices strip-tillers make as they strive to boost yields and profits.

When fall weather cooperates, many farmers prefer to strip-till in the fall.