What We Offer . . . And How to Use It

The Sugarbeet Grower invited a number of companies manufacturing strip-till equipment to respond to several questions about their product(s) and the practice of strip till as it applies to sugarbeet production.

Featured on these pages are comments from companies responding to our invitation. While these firms don’t comprise the entire strip-till manufacturing sector, they do represent a prominent cross-section of it, bringing substantial experience and expertise to the discussion. Their remarks are presented here in alphabetical order, by company.

Our questions were as follows. (Note: Not every question received a reply from every company.)

#1 — What features of your equipment do you highlight when visiting with sugarbeet growers who are exploring the feasibility of getting into strip tillage and purchasing equipment?

#2 — What options are available in terms of fertilizer placement, toolbar length, disks, points, mounted or pull-type, fold-up features, etc.?

#3 — Do you offer machines for 22-inch as well as 30-inch rows? If so, does the 22-inch spacing present special challenges in moving residue?

#4 — What is your recommended tractor horsepower per row under ‘normal’ operation? Also, how deep is the tillage under ‘normal’ operation?

#5 — If there is heavy residue from the previous crop (e.g., 200-bushel corn), what operation, if any, should be conducted prior to the strip-till pass?

#6 — What, in your view, are the key agronomic and economic benefits of strip till for sugarbeets specifically?

#7 — Are there some common errors among growers starting out in strip till — be it related to either their equipment setup or field management practices?

#8 — What are your thoughts on performing fall versus spring strip tillage? What conditions/situations favor one over the other?

#9 — Are there certain challenges of strip-till sugarbeet production that you believe need additional research — be it university, USDA or private?

#10 — Any other comments?

Case IH

Robert Zemenchik / Marketing Manager-Tillage Products

#1 — Choice is our strong suit. We can provide a variety of points, shanks, leveling attachments [and] fertilizer attachments to achieve customer configurations.

#2 — The entire price book is wide ranging. By going online to www.caseih.com, you can review each of the major specs, along with photos. Literature can also be viewed.

#3 — [The] 22-inch spacing is achievable with one small modification around the hitch area; but it has been done.

#4 — As noted in the literature, 30-50 horsepower per shank. We go from three to nine shank.

#5 — No additional pass is required, provided coulters and row cleaners are used properly But if desired for decomposition purposes, we are finding the new True-Tandem 330 Turbo is an excellent option. As a vertical tillage tool, it is fast, low-draft, sizes and mixes to a shallow depth, and really starts the nutrient cycling process.

#6 — Confining the tillage and nutrient placement to the target area offers growers an opportunity for efficiency gain — especially if soils are high in clay or calcareous in chemistry.

#7 — Experience of many strip tillers is that transitioning from conventional practices to the full-blown root-zone banded strip till with auto-guide — all in one year on all areas — is too much, too fast. Take the time to migrate certain fields toward strip till until you prove what works in your area, given the available resources in your operation.

#8 — The key driver is labor — and with that, timeliness. With so many things needing to be done in the spring (tillage, planting, spraying, sidedressing and any replanting or respraying), the opportunity to get the strip-till seedbed accomplished in the fall is desirable.

#9 — A greater understanding of the timing, rate and splitting of N application in strip-till regimes by soil type, with any interactions with pH, P and K, would be helpful.

— www.caseih.com —

Deere & Company

David Wendt / Product Manager-Tillage Marketing

#1 — A strip-tillage pass in the field requires that the machine be able to accomplish three things: consistently manage residue, consistently place fertilizer, and consistently prepare a seedbed in many varying conditions and customer requirements. A strip-tillage machine is replacing the equipment that would normally perform those tasks (shredder, disk ripper, fertilizer spreader, field cultivator, etc.). Because the strip-till machine is being asked to replace many passes in the field with just one pass, the John Deere 2510S was built to handle the rigors of tough and high-residue conditions — and be adjustable for changing conditions and customer preferences.

#2 — The 2510S is offered in two basic configurations: one for high-residue conditions and one for medium-residue conditions. From there, a producer can select options for dry, liquid or anhydrous fertilizer placement, a rear hitch for pull tanks, and paddle baskets for clod sizing and a more-consistent berm.

#3 — John Deere offers 30-inch spacing.

#4 — The Residue Master™ model of the 2510S requires 25-30 horsepower per shank at a six- to eight-inch operating depth. The Medium Residue model requires 20-27 horsepower per shank at the six- to eight-inch depth. Both machines are capable of operating up to 10 inches deep.

#5 — Based on customer feedback from across the country and in-field testing, the best thing an operator can do to prepare the field immediately ahead of the strip-till machine is to have the combine properly set. Other passes, such as shredding or light disking, can actually increase the challenges — both during the strip-till pass and at planting.

#6 — Strip till offers the benefits of earlier soil warm-up, fertilizer directly below the growing plant, and reduced fuel, labor and tractor hours.

#7 — When a producer moves to strip till, it needs to be recognized that this can be a big change for the whole operation. Because more passes are being combined into one pass, more care is needed during initial settings and changing conditions. This is the producer’s only shot at a seedbed, so it is important to set the machine correctly and make adjustments when needed.

#8 — The simple answer: what are your soils like? A good comparison to help answer this question is for a producer to look at the tillage he is currently doing today. If he farms in an area where the soils do not work well in the spring deeper than six inches, and he thus does all of his primary tillage in the fall, this same reasoning can be carried over to strip-till. That said, a recent survey of strip tillers from across the country revealed it was about a 50-50 split between fall and spring operations.

#10 — Remember, a strip-till machine is often going into conditions where a chisel plow, disk or ripper of some sort traditionally operates. The machine needs to be able to consistently perform its duties in these conditions.

— www.johndeere.com —

Elmer’s Manufacturing Ltd.

Leon Friesen / Product Design Engineer

#1 — Trash Clearance: Sugarbeets are often grown on 22-inch rows, presenting a serious challenge for many strip-till machine designs to get their row units close enough together while maintaining sufficient room for displaced residue to flow between the units. Elmer’s has eliminated this problem by staggering alternating row units 30-40 inches in the fore/aft direction on a triple-rank frame. The staggered row units permit crop residue to flow around the units, instead of getting bunched up between.

Individual Application Shank Adjustment: Elmer’s heavy-duty shank assembly allows independent setting of both the spring resistance and application knife working angle. These features permit the operator to make individual rows more or less aggressive, improving application consistency — particularly behind tractor wheel tracks.

Ridging Options: Elmer’s has incorporated a simple adjustment that permits the berm disks to be moved out on 22-inch centers. The disks are then pitched to create a much larger berm than normal, similar to a ridged berm, allowing the operator to ridge while applying fertilizer.

Flexibility: Every feature (i.e., cutting coulters, trash cleaners, application shank and berm disks) incorporates height adjustment, spring down pressure and independent pivot, ensuring consistent contact with the soil.

Serviceability: We recognize that daily maintenance is often time consuming, so each of Elmer’s row units consists of only three grease points. All other pivot points utilize either composite or nylon greaseless bushings.

Uniform Depth: Soil conditions vary each year, so uniform depth control is important. Elmer’s utilizes a single-point depth valve to permit quick one-step depth control across the entire machine, as well as large 14Lx16 tires on both the wings and mainframe tandems to maintain consistent depth, even as soil conditions change.

#2 — Application Knife Options: Elmer’s uses a heavy-duty 2.0-inch x 1.25-inch side-mounted shank that permits the operator to utilize a wide variety of application points, depending on specific soils and fertilizer application needs. Options include our standard mole knife for most general applications, high-wear knife for abrasive soils, and our new high-torque knife offering more shear resistance in demanding soil conditions.

Fertilizer Options: All of Elmer’s knives permit the application of dry granular, liquid or anhydrous fertilizer. Dry granular and anhydrous can be dual applied in a single pass. Our frame is also designed to work with most pull-between and pull-behind carts and rear anhydrous setups.

Disks: Elmer’s utilizes a standard 20-inch fluted cutting disk, 13-inch trash cleaners, 18-inch berm notched or plain disks, and optional 14-inch profiled conditioner baskets. The berm disk is concaved to redirect the soil behind the application knife.

Frame Options: Elmer’s has 20- to 22-inch frames available in 16-, 18- and 24-row pull-type and 12-row two-point configurations, while 30-inch frames are available in 12- and 16-row pull-type and eight-row three-point configurations. All pull-type bars consist of a three-section design.

#3 — Elmer’s does offer machines for narrow row spacings — 20- to 22-inch, as well as 30-inch rows. Residue management is certainly critical and represents a significant challenge for any strip-till manufacturer in narrow-row spacings. The challenge lies in building a berm eight to 10 inches wide while maintaining sufficient clearance between row units for crop residue to flow through. Elmer’s NSB Series machines stagger alternating row units 30-40 inches in the fore/aft direction to permit residue to flow around the row units, instead of getting bunched up between.

#4 — Horsepower requirements are a function of desired speed, depth and soil conditions. General requirements for the Red River Valley are between 18 to 20 hp. per row.

Elmer’s recommends strip tilling between 6.0 and 7.0 mph. The speed is critical for good residue cutting, soil fracture and berm construction. If too fast, your berm will lose definition; if too slow, residue cutting and soil fracture will be less effective.

Depth is a function of seed placement, fertilizer application, and what the operator wants to accomplish pertaining to soil compaction. However, typical working depth is between five to seven inches below preworked ground level.

Soil conditions — such as moisture levels, soil make-up (clay-based versus sandy loam-based) and soil compaction levels — can all affect specific horsepower requirements.

#5 — It is advisable to break down heavy residue into more workable sizes prior to strip tilling to minimize the chance of plugging or creating undesirable clumps. A chopping or sizing head can be very effective if there is little wind damage prior to harvest. However, a coulter machine (such as a Salford RTS unit) can be effective in a wider range of conditions, and has the additional benefit of providing some vertical tillage and improving residue breakdown by mixing soil into the residue. For best results, the coulter machine should be run twice over the field in perpendicular directions. Generally speaking, strip tilling in standing stalks isn’t ideal. It can work when operated in the same direction as the crop was harvested, but often creates plugging issues when operated against.

#6 — Many of the economic benefits seen in other crops also apply to strip-tilled sugarbeets. Single-pass fall tillage and fertilizer application reduce fuel and labor costs. Potential reductions in fertilizer rates are attainable by banding versus broadcasting, which can also reduce nutrient displacement issues.

The agronomic benefits may be even greater. Fewer trips over the field generally means less soil compaction; greater residue cover reduces soil and wind erosion; and standing residue between strips can provide huge benefits against wind damage to young beet plants. Strip tilling enables an operator to reap the benefits of reduced tillage without giving up the higher soil temperatures and seed-to-soil contact needed for good beet development.

#7 — One common error is to treat strip tilling like just one more tillage technique in the fall. Strip tilling affects how you plant, weed formation, residue control, soil compaction variables, etc. It’s very important to look at your entire operation when considering strip till.

#8 — The most likely time to strip till is in the fall. Generally, soil moisture is lower — and soil compaction breakup is less critical, as the winter freeze/thaw cycles will help break up larger soil clods. Also, fertilizer can be more readily applied in various forms. Typically, heavier soils are better suited for fall strip tilling. However, spring strip tilling can be advantageous in lighter loam soils — especially where moisture conservation is important.

— www.elmersmfg.mb.ca —

Hiniker Company

Wayne Buck / Sales Manager

#1 — Basically, the same features would be pointed out as in corn: quicker soil warm-up, better fertility utilization by the crop, potential time and fuel savings, and improved moisture infiltration in arid regions.

#2 — Hiniker offers both mounted and pull-type machines. We have row cleaner and rolling basket options; six-, eight-, 12- and 16-row sizes; granular, liquid and NH3 fertilizer capability. Our pull-type units use the fertilizer cart as a product carrier, distributor and lift-assist mechanism. We offer both rigid and folding toolbar models.

#3 — We have 22- to 30-inch and some wide-row models available. The 22-inch row models usually do not utilize the row cleaners, as there is simply not enough space for residue flow — especially if following corn.

#4 — As to horsepower requirements, “normal” operation is difficult to define. We usually recommend 20-23 horsepower per shank and usually find this to be adequate. Operating depth is typically between seven to nine inches and varies with soil type, time of year, type of product, operator preference, and sometimes available horsepower.

#5 — In most cases, we find that corn residue that is not shredded is better for “flow-through” on machines. Finely chopped material, if dry and fluffy, tends to be more difficult to work with than standing material attached to the soil. The attached material will tend to pull itself through more readily.

#7 — “Lack of patience” — working in soils that are too wet is probably the number-one mistake made.

#8 — Certain soil types — and, of course, weather conditions — usually determine this. As with any form of tillage, soil friability makes a big difference in the outcome. As a general statement, I would say that fall strip till is by far the safest bet, as winter tends to have the potential to “fix a lot of mistakes.”

— www.hiniker.com —

Montag Manufacturing

Roger Montag / President

#1 — All meters are constructed out of 304 food grade stainless steel for added chemical resistance.

Sizes: Eight-, 12-, 16- or 24-row; dry or liquid fertilizer application options.

Fertilizer Output Capacity: “Standard” is capable of 500 pounds per acre at five to six mph. The "High Output" is capable of 1,000 lbs./ac. at five mph. (Capacities are based on fertilizer weighing 64 lbs./cubic ft. and 30-inch row spacing, with standard hose length equipped with cart.)

Tank Capacity: Six- and nine-ton options for the dry; 850, 1,200 and 1,700 gallons for the liquid.

Auto Steer Cart: Maintains wheel track between strips on almost any wheel spacing.

Air Pressure Gauge and Hose: Shows the operator the amount of pressure under which the meter is operating.

#2 — Our focus at Montag is banding fertilizer — liquid or dry. We adapt well to most toolbars and row units that a farmer may currently own or is considering purchasing.

#3 — This is really a row unit question. As to how this would affect a Montag cart, we offer narrower wheel options and a 132-inch wheel spacing for 22-inch rows. Other wheel spacing options are available to match up to different row spacing.

#4 — Horsepower requirements per row on the tillage side will depend on your tillage choices, depth and speed. Our carts require about 1.5 horsepower per row from the tractor’s hydraulic system to operate the blower and metering drive.

#5 — This again is a row unit question. From my experience, the more the stalks are left attached to the ground, the less problems they create. This could be a bit interesting if you try 30-inch corn on 22-inch sugarbeets, as most row units do not perform very well if running close to or on top of last year's row.

#6 — Banding the fertilizer will reduce the volume of fertilizer needed by improving its availability in any row-crop situation. By selecting the proper combination of products, other positive effects can be gained specific to certain soil conditions.

#7 — Strip till does not reduce the management side of a farming operation. By reducing the number of passes required, you reduce your options along with the cost. By paying attention to detail and covering all the bases, “less really can be more.”

#8 — This is a very complicated question! You would have to consider such things as available time, soil types, weather, ground condition, soil nutrient levels, crop rotation, etc. That said, I would generally favor fall strip till over spring. It typically can be done at a deeper level than what can be done in the spring (for dealing with compaction). Also, it allows more time for dissipation of salts common in dry fertilizer. The soil has time to heal, reducing air pockets in the strips.

#9 — I believe the farmer (private sector) obtains usable information because a lot of the variables are removed. Soil type, field conditions, fertility, attention to detail, management and crop rotation can all affect the results. If you overlook such variables, it will dramatically affect the reliability — and thus the usability — of the research you are conducting.

— www.montagmfg.com —

Orthman Manufacturing

Michael Petersen / Precision Tillage Agronomist

#1 — With our Orthman 1tRIPr system, we highlight the top-quality seedbed for the small-seeded sugarbeet crop, and that we can precision place fertilizer to assist in getting the beet taproot deep and of size.

#2 — With our revamped 2009 row unit, we offer the producer seven locations for liquid tubes and a dry tube and boot for dry fertilizer. This gives the producer alternatives to meter out the fertilizer and stage the sugarbeets’ development for optimum sugar and tonnage. As an option, we offer an attaching rolling basket in nine-inch, 14-inch and 20-inch widths. The basket mulches and settles the seedbed to take out any pockets of air and break up clods, keeping the seedbed uniform and ready for spring seeding. The unit has the option of being ready for tripping when fields have cobbles up to boulders hiding below the soil surface.

We offer units from two to 16 rows; 22-inch to 40-inch row width in three-point to pull-type behind a caddy. We also have an Atlas lifting cart that is based upon the chassis under our grain carts, with an adjustable axle design to carry a six-ton dry box or two 500-gallon poly liquid tanks. The cart and 1tRIPr are connected and will lower or lift the bar with straight or folding bars. This unit gives the grower options to “get-’er-done” and fertilize longer between fills.

#3 — Yes, we offer 22-inch to 40-inch row width. Moisture conditions do offer a challenge when following a high-residue crop, but it’s not insurmountable. Keeping track of residue moisture and residue size can alleviate “too much” residue issues.

#4 — Orthman recommends 25 to 30 horsepower per shank in a normal operation of pulling the units eight to 10 inches deep.

#5 — If anything, on the combine size the residue coming out the back of the combine — especially for sugarbeets as the following crop.

#6 — Having a warm, uniform seedbed for seed-to-soil contact of the beet seed. If there is a need to place nematicide prior to planting, strip till can be an economical and easy method to do so.

Placing P and K in the pathway of the root is another benefit. Since the sugarbeet is a taprooted crop, it does not spend a lot of energy to seek out nutrients. We place it right in the root path so the beet is well fed all season long. In the four years of work we have done in sugarbeet production, we have observed larger-diameter and longer beets in strip-tilled fields. With a mellow seedbed and rooting environment, harvesting of the beet can be easier.

#7 — Unfortunately, yes.

• Many growers in the sugarbeet world still think that residue is a negative and has to be buried to deal with the seed-to-soil contact process. Residue is still thought of too much as trash. But when residue serves as a protector from wind and releases up to 45 pound of N per acre along with other nutrients, we believe that is good stuff.

• With strip till, we move the residue out of the way for the seedbed with our row cleaners. Disking ahead of the strip-till unit to six inches just creates a jumbled mess that will wrap around shanks and cause mounds of residue up and down the field — a nuisance, for sure.

• Pulling the strip-till unit when field conditions are far too moist can cause slotting and slabbing effects. In this condition, if N fertilizer is applied at high rates, the potential for damaging root burn is high. Also, seeds drop into the slot to depths of seven inches, and resulting in poor stand or death.

• Pulling a strip-till unit down the exact same row as last year’s corn can lead to large divots down each row and result in a poor-quality seedbed for the sugarbeet.

#8 — In the northern latitudes, we believe fall strip till will allow the freeze-thaw action to mellow the soil in the tilled zone to an ideal seedbed for the sugarbeet grower. For many growers in northern states (e.g., Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana), time and moisture conditions in the fall after harvest are tight, and completing a strip-till pass after everything is in the bin can be a real pinch. We suggest that as the harvest is started, have the strip-till unit ready to go.

With spring strip tilling, being observant of soil moisture conditions is crucial. So controlling the width of the wavy coulters in moist conditions becomes a little more of a management issue. Controlling the coulters’ width and their depth to stir and pinch the slot created by the shank is critical for the grower. When soil conditions vary widely from field to field, a grower may be making some minor adjustments to get control of the tilled zone for the seedbed.

#9 — We’d like to have more research on soil quality issues in a multi-crop/sugarbeet rotation; optimal soil conditions in the heavy Fargo clay-like soils for strip-tillage; water management in naturally rain-fed environments; and whether strip-till improves or adds to pest problems like disease or insect pressures. Also, what soil density levels in the seedbed provide the best environment to produce the optimum-sized and best-quality beets?

— www.orthman.com —

Schlagel Mfg.

Dave Zimmerer / Sales Manager

#1 — Sugarbeets like a firm seedbed, so we recommend our dual wheel packers, row cleaners and rear-tillage bar; also, if possible, a heavy packer. Our Till-N-Plant dual packer applies more weight to the row than our competitors’. Row cleaners are not needed in most cases; but they can be helpful in heavy residue. The rear-tillage bar allows the farmer to lay down marks for the planter and sprayer to follow. The heavy packer both firms the seedbed and makes the marks for the planter to follow.

#2 — Options include single and dual placement of liquid, dry, anhydrous or any combination of the three types of fertilizers. The machine can be of any row spacing — from 20 inches on up.

#3 — Our machines can be ordered in any combination, up to 24 rows. Three-point and pull-type machines with caddy are available. The caddy unit can carry up to 1,500 gallons of fertilizer — or, 1,000 gallons and the planter.

We offer machines down to 20-inch row width. The only problem with narrow machines occurs when row cleaners are utilized — i.e., there is not a lot of room to move residue over. In that case, we recommend sizing the residue before strip tilling.

Heavy residue does not bother the Till-N-Plant itself, but with no place to move it to between rows, it can be higher than the crop row. If you have four-inch-thick residue all over the field and you move it in between the rows, it then ends up being eight inches thick.

#5 — No other passes are necessary in 30-inch or wider rows; but narrow rows demand you size the material and keep it evenly dispersed across the field. Strip tilling actually begins when the previous year’s crop is being harvested. Try to keep the residue from being in piles, as this will cause problems later when tilling. Heavy straw and chaff from a small grain crop can be the most difficult condition due to volunteers. Use chaff spreaders and bale the straw if possible. Keeping the residue evenly dispersed is key.

#6 — Fewer field passes, proper placement of fertilizer, and reduction of wind and water erosion.

#7 — One mistake may be assuming you can follow the strip tiller in narrow rows. Remember: the narrower the row, the less space you have to drive on when planting. We have found that farmers who, while tilling, install good marks to follow have the best luck.

When strip tilling, think of what comes next and plant accordingly. This means preparing the field by sizing the residue, spreading the chaff and straw evenly. If you have deep ruts from the previous year, take care of them before tilling; they will not get better by themselves.

#8 — Your own conditions dictate which is better. If you are in an area that receives a lot of spring moisture and the window for preparing the field in the spring is small, then fall is better. But if you have light sandy soils and do not receive spring moisture, spring is better. Both options have been used successfully.

#10 — Strip tillage has been done in our area for 20 years and is an accepted method of farming. But it requires a different mindset from what “conventional” farmers believe is possible. Experience is the best education.

— www.schlagel.net —

Thurston Manufacturing / Blu-Jet

Nick Jensen / Vice President-Marketing

#1 — Blu-Jet strip-till systems row units can be adjusted to match a variety of soil types and residue situations. Row components are independent of one another, allowing each to individually manage the next residue or terrain challenge. Our “EdgeBent” shanks accept of number of different knives to ensure a more-exact match with encountered soil types. The “SealPro II” disk hillers can be adjusted by varying blade angle, width between blades and the distance from the blade to the shank. Blu-Jet units’ firming baskets have a variety of pressure settings.

For rocky conditions, Blu-Jet offers the “NoSkip” strip-till row unit package. It includes our unique spring-loaded shank mounting (MaxPac) and springs to provide down pressure for the disk hillers. Each row component thus stays in contact with the ground while other components in the same row may be encountering underground obstacles.

Some other features within the Blu-Jet strip-till family:

• Capability of injecting dry, liquid, NH3 or dual-placement fertilizer solutions. Knife depth is adjustable from four to 12 inches.

• Mainframe configurations with the AT6010 fertilizer injection applicator unit include 16-, 18- and 24-row options (30-inch rows).

• For implement versatility, the Blu-Jet StripTill Systems Platform employs the LandTracker 9400 (pull-type) caddy — which can be used for numerous other farming operations when not being employed for strip tilling.

• The LandRunner II fertilizer injection applicator (pull-type) is ideal for those wanting to minimize start-up costs when going into strip till.

• The SubTiller 4 — with models ranging from two to 12 shanks on 30-inch spacing — is ideal for those needing to resolve deep soil compaction problems.

#2 — Models are available in three-point, 30-inch units as four, six, eight, 12 and 16 rows. Pull-type units are available in six, eight, 12 and 16 rows in combination with our LandTracker caddy; 12R30 or 16R30 on our LandRunner II mainframe; and 16, 18 and 24R30 on our AT6010 mainframe. Implement width ranges from 10 to 60 feet.

#3 — A 22-inch spaced machine is currently in our product development phase. Residue flow through our machine is not as big a challenge as with some because of the large rank between components.

Narrow-row spacings still present issues when considering the placement of large amounts of residue within the 12 to 14 inches between 22-inch centers. Even if one configures an implement that will perfectly throw heavy residue into the space between 22-inch strip-tilled berms, the pile of residue would grow so tall that a strong wind may blow it back onto the cleaned strip before planting.

#4 — Under “normal” operation, our fertilizer shank-based units will take from 10 to 15 horsepower per row at an operating depth of six to eight inches. SubTiller 4 shank-based units will take 40 to 50 horsepower per row at a maximum fracturing depth of 18 inches. In both scenarios, horsepower requirements naturally will be affected by operating speed, knife depth, soils type and soil moisture.

#5 — In most situations — particularly in 30-inch rows — there is no need for an operation before the strip-till pass. It is recommended that one “split the row” from the year before when going into corn.

With 22-inch rows, there may be a need to cut and bale the stalks in certain circumstances prior to the strip-till pass. This would reduce the amount of field residue and limit the height of the residue piles between rows.

#6 — One of the biggest benefits of strip till for an operation that already practices a no-till cropping strategy is a better soil warm-up in the spring. Soils reach the desired planting temperature quicker and allow faster germination.

Precision fertilizer placement is the other big advantage in a strip-till system. By placing a plant’s nutrient requirements in the furrow under the seed, those nutrients can be utilized more efficiently by the root system. Some growers report cutting back the rate of applied fertilizer because they are not wasting it by feeding weeds between the strips.

For those producers transitioning from a conventional tillage strategy, the savings in both time and fuel should not be ignored.

#7 — Using Row Markers: One of the most common misconceptions is that row markers are an acceptable guidance system. If the grower is going to invest the time and dollars into increasing his yields and crop production efficiencies, he needs to invest in a GPS guidance system capable of sub-inch accuracy. This holds true particularly with strip till on spacings narrower than 30 inches.

Incorrect Fertilizer Rates: Incorrect or over-application of fertilizer within the strip is another common error. In the spring particularly, we are seeing some strip tillers put down phosphorus and potassium, but not nitrogen. They will place nitrogen as a starter fertilizer with their planter — and then put down the rest as a sidedress application to avoid potential nitrogen burn. Planting too soon after a spring strip-till operation may also lead to fertilizer burn.

Although some Blu-Jet users report planting on the same day as they perform their strip-till pass, we recommend waiting at least two weeks. One must consider the type of crop, soil type, existing nutrient levels, moisture content and application depth before deciding how much fertilizer to apply below the seedbed.

Not Using Manufacturer-Recommended Components: In spring operations, not using basket attachments to break down clods and firm the seedbed is one example of equipment operators neglecting to use manufacturer-recommended components — another error new strip-till operators will want to avoid. Baskets are an essential attachment to any strip-till implement in spring operation, because the soil will not experience a freeze/thaw cycle prior to planting. Spring strip tillers who do not use baskets report bad planting conditions, resulting in improper seed depth and poor stand. The firming action provided by baskets also helps eliminate air pockets that may otherwise be detrimental to plant health.

#8 — There is less room for error in the spring than in the fall. A good rule of thumb is to get as much done in the fall as possible. Finish up in the spring if you have to. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. Certain areas of the country that possess heavy clay soils can only strip till in the spring because winter manure applications compact the soil to an extent that a fall strip-till pass becomes insignificant prior to spring planting. In this instance, spring strip till is the only option.

Fall strip till allows time for both soil and fertilizer to mellow, and this will help prevent seed or root burn while providing the benefit of spring warm-up on the strips. If you have to run in the spring, the possibility for seed burn is greater. Spring strip till also can reduce the benefit one will receive from additional soil warm-up. Most growers will tell you that if conditions are right in the spring to be strip tilling, they would rather be planting.

#9 — One of the larger items needing more research is whether fertilizer rates can be reduced in strip till. If rates can be cut without being detrimental to the current year’s crop and not deplete nutrient reserves for the future cropping years, then strip till will prove an even bigger advantage to sugarbeet farmers.

#10 — One of the largest barriers to entry for growers wanting to begin a strip-till program is the initial startup cost. Many who express interest hesitate because they want to make sure it works on their farm before laying out funds to purchase the equipment. Custom hiring some acres to be done at least one year before purchasing your own equipment is one way to get a taste of strip till prior to jumping in headfirst. Ideally, one would find a machine to rent. This allows the operator to become accustomed to the implement and common strip-till practices prior to making a purchasing decision. There is a market for fertilizer or equipment dealers to assist their customers by offering a rent-to-own or custom-apply strip-till service.

— www.blu-jet.com —

Twin Diamond Industries / ‘Strip Cat’

Dean Carstens / Co-Owner

#1 — Minimum tillage required, less horsepower, more flexibility in most weather conditions. We explain the return on investment versus alternate means of production.

#2 — All options are available. We make every effort to make the machine fit the needs of the producer. However, if there is no economic return to the farmer, we say so!

#3 — We offer 20-, 22-, 30-, 36- and 40-inch row spacing on a three-point caddy. We’ll soon have a dedicated pull type in sizes up to a 16-row 30-inch or 24-row 22-inch bar.

#4 — There are no “normal” conditions. There are many different ground types, weather conditions and producer attitudes. The strip-till machine must be able to adapt to all changing conditions. The average economic return for all strip-till machines is between 15 and 20 horsepower.

#5 — The suggestion we can make is not necessarily operational, but in the equipment: There should be minimal trash problems if the combine is equipped with cutting rollers and a chaff spreader. If the trash is sized and spread equally before it hits the ground, most strip-till machines will go through the residue.

#6 — The agronomic and economic benefits of strip tilling for sugarbeets are numerous. Strip till on sugarbeets has not been in usage for very long. I can only relate to the production of corn, soybeans, and sorghum. The results should be identical! Common sense versus old-school technologies is prevailing. The combination of “less fertilizer, less tillage, better yield” is a no-brainer. The challenge is that no single individual — at least that I’m aware of — has put it all together.

#7 — The biggest error in starting into strip till is not knowing all the challenges one may face, as well as the alternatives available. It is easy to make incorrect decisions when one is misinformed. Strip till is a systems approach — meaning the producer needs to know as much about the practice as possible, even before he chooses a machine. The farmer must realize the end justifies the means. There is a learning curve. Work with those to have experienced that curve.

— www.twindiamondind.com —

Unverferth Manufacturing Co.

(Editor’s Note: While responses to our specific list of questions were not available from Unverferth, the company supplied the following details on its 530 Zone-Stripper.)

Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc., has extended its tillage equipment line with the new model 530 Zone-Stripper tillage tool. This innovative tool provides tillage from four to 10 inches deep, and its auto-reset, straight-leg shank design provides minimal surface disturbance. The independently mounted strip-till units with parallel linkages provide maximum tillage action without the skips.

The strip-till units are width- and angle-adjustable and available with choice of notched or smooth concave coulters that create a 15-inch strip of soil. A choice of straight-bladed rolling harrow baskets for leveling the strips, or concave-bladed rolling harrow baskets for mounding the zone, completes the tillage trip, leaving a ready-to-plant surface.

Shank-mounted fertility application is available for in-row nutrient placement for liquid or dry fertilizer. The available rear-mounted, pull-type rear hitch provides convenient connection for towing a fertilizer trailer. Dual coulter-mounted concave finger-wheel row cleaners are also available for added residue clearing. Optional row markers with notched blades provide a highly visible mark for accurate row placement.

The Zone-Stripper is available in six-, eight- and 12-row sizes on 30-inch widths, with durable double mainframe.

— www.unverferth.com —

Wil-Rich, LLC / Redball

Bruce Thiele / Marketing Manager

#1 — Wil-Rich markets the Redball strip-till unit. This unit does fit into 22-inch rows. We also offer toolbars in a variety of sizes, including a 24-row 22-inch option. This toolbar can be equipped with either tires or tracks and has the capacity to carry fertilizer tanks in either dry or liquid form.

#2 — We offer shank-style fertilizer placement for liquid, dry or anhydrous. Toolbars come up to 66 feet in width and are front-fold with up to a four-tank configuration.

#3 — We offer machines in 22-, 24- or 30-inch spacing up to 66 feet. The narrow rows present challenges in corn stalk residue. At this time, we do not recommend our strip-till unit in 22-inch corn residue.

#4 — 15 to 20 horsepower per row is recommended. Normal operating depth is six to eight inches.

#5 — In 30-inch corn rows, there should be no prior tillage required if the grower does not shred the stalks. The Redball strip tiller will be able to build a berm and apply fertilizer under normal conditions.

#6 — Agronomic benefits include reduced soil compaction and erosion. Economic benefits include reduced cost due to fewer tillage passes. Strip tilling in wheat stubble for sugarbeets will reduce the risk of blowout due to the standing residue strips. Strip tillage will also catch and retain moisture for better emergence.

#7 — Underestimating the power requirements of strip-tillage equipment when applying fertilizer.

#8 — Fall strip tillage typically is best, as the black strip created will be warmer earlier in the spring, thus allowing earlier planting. The most difficult problem with fall strip tillage has been wet conditions.

— www.wil-rich.com —