Reduced Tillage and Strip-Tillage
alternative practice names:
Conservation Tillage; Residue Management; Turbo tilling; Strip-till; Zone-till
Reduced tillage encompasses a range of soil management practices designed to minimize soil disturbance, including methods from chisel plowing and disking to no-till systems. Common approaches, such as strip-till, zone-till, and vertical tillage (sometimes referred to as "turbo tilling"), are considered "reduced-till" practices. These methods aim to retain at least 30% of crop residue on the soil surface, which helps reduce erosion and improves water infiltration.
Reduced tillage practices involve shallower, less intensive, and less frequent soil disturbance compared to conventional tillage. By partially incorporating crop residues, these methods promote decomposition and nutrient cycling while maintaining soil structure. Examples include:
Strip-tillage: This practice tills only narrow strips where crops will be planted, leaving the areas between rows undisturbed. It strikes a balance between no-till and full-width tillage, often requiring multiple equipment passes to create an optimal seedbed. In strip-till, the planting is often done in a second pass.
Vertical tillage: This approach lightly disturbs the soil surface to manage crop residue and prepare the seedbed. It tills only a few inches deep, helping to level the soil surface and address ruts. It can also be used to incorporate cover crop seeds that require minimal soil contact for germination.
When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found:
Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
FARM SIZE
When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:
All Sizes
Practice Benefits
Reduced fuel costs: Reduced tillage equipment uses less fuel compared to conventional full-width tillage.
Reduced labor: Reduced tillage passes are often done much faster than conventional tillage passes, saving time, which can be very helpful in small planting windows.
Improved soil structure: Reduced tillage minimizes soil disturbance, enhancing soil tilth and structure while preserving soil aggregates. This practice supports improved soil health and water infiltration and prevents the development of a plow pan, which can restrict root growth in conventional systems.
Increased soil carbon: By reducing soil disturbance, reduced tillage slows the decomposition of organic matter, promoting soil carbon accumulation. Higher soil carbon levels improve the soil’s capacity to retain water and nutrients, benefiting crop growth and resilience.
Reduced yield variability: Reduced tillage systems promote better water management and nutrient cycling, leading to more consistent crop yields year after year. Many farms report higher yields under long-term reduced tillage management and greater resilience to extreme weather conditions.
Reduced erosion: Undisturbed soils are less prone to erosion when compared with tilled soils, which can lose soil aggregates and become more susceptible to wind and water erosion. In addition, when used in conjunction with cover crops or crop rotations that generate residues (as seen in grain and bean rotations), reduced tillage management will help maintain surface residue that further protects soil from erosion.
Improved drought resistance: The increased organic matter content in reduced-tillage soils also enhances water retention, making crops more resilient during dry periods. When used in conjunction with cover crops or crop rotations that generate residues (as seen in grain and bean rotations), reduced-till management helps retain soil moisture by leaving crop residues on the surface. This reduces evaporation and keeps soils cooler.
Implementation Insights
Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements
In most cases, there are no specific site or farm requirements.
Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)
Tillage equipment: The choice of reduced tillage equipment—such as vertical tillage, strip-till, and zone-till—indeed depends on farm goals, soil types, and management practices. Each system offers unique benefits and considerations:
Vertical tillage implement: This equipment provides full-width, shallow tillage (typically one to four inches). It uses vertical coulters to avoid causing horizontal soil shearing, which helps maintain soil structure.
Strip-till implement: This tool creates narrow tilled strips where crops are planted, leaving the areas between rows undisturbed, which helps conserve soil moisture and organic matter. Many strip-till systems integrate fertilizer applications to optimize nutrient placement, which can increase initial costs. The equipment varies in construction and design, with some models providing adjustable depth settings and various shank options to suit different soil conditions and management needs.
Planter upgrades or modifications: To operate efficiently with reduced tillage systems, planters may need modifications or upgrades, such as residue managers or specialized row cleaners, to ensure proper seed placement and depth.
GPS and precision agriculture technology: Many reduced tillage systems, such as strip-till, benefit from GPS guidance for precise placement of tillage rows. This requires investment in GPS units and software, which may also integrate with other equipment for planting and fertilizing.
Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)
Maintenance: Producers should anticipate regular maintenance costs associated with all farm equipment.
Implementation Considerations
Adaptation: Implementing reduced tillage is generally more manageable than transitioning directly to no-till, offering a less steep learning curve while still providing significant soil health benefits. While some adaptation is necessary, especially for farmers unfamiliar with reduced tillage systems, the process is well-supported by decades of successful practice and ongoing refinement.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams
FEDERAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM
Funding is available for this practice through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Related EQIP Practice Standard: Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till (345).
Related CSP Enhancement: Reduced tillage to reduce soil erosion (E345A), Reduced tillage to reduce tillage induced particulate matter (E345B), Reduced tillage to increase plant-available moisture (E345C), Reduced tillage to increase soil health and soil organic matter content (E345D), Reduced tillage to reduce energy use (E345E).
Notes:
Check with the local NRCS office on payment rates and practice requirements relevant to your location.
Strip tillage can be used to qualify for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation management/no-till incentive programs.
CARBON CREDITS
This practice is commonly credited in carbon markets. The practice can generate both offset and inset credits.
Notes:
The impact of diverse crop rotations is primarily estimated through scientific modeling in the project and would use farm management information including planting, harvest, tillage, fertilizer, irrigation, and grazing information from the year the change happened and likely three years before.
Only new practices are eligible for crediting under most offset and inset programs, though existing conservation practices may increrase the emissions reduction estimates under both offset and inset opportunities.
Offset removals in soils created by this practice typically need to be guaranteed for 50-100 years (see Verra methodology and Climate Action Reserve's Soil Enrichment Protocol). The practice does not necessarily have to be maintained that long, rather conservation practices as a whole need to continue to maintain the soil.
Producers generally contribute to a buffer pool to insure against risks of natural disasters or unintentional reversals of sequestered carbon. Intentional reversals, from intensive tillage or land sales, may require operators to return proceeds from the project.
The length of an inset project is more flexible, determined in agreement with the supply chain partner.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES, TOOLS, AND CASE STUDIES
Additional Resources
Article: Consider the Strip-Tillage Advantage (Iowa State University)
Article: Selecting a Strip-Till Rig (North Carolina State University)
Article: Strip Till for Field Crop Production (North Dakota State University)
Article: Strip-Tillers Out Yield US, No-Till Averages in 2021 (Strip-Till Farmer)
Article: Should I (Still) Be Tilling My Fields (Farmers Business Network)
Article: 10 Considerations for Adopting Strip-Till (Iowa State University)
Article: 10 Tips for Making the Switch to Strip-Till Farming (Pioneer)
Article: The Purpose and Ideal Uses for Tillage Implements (University of Minnesota)
Video: Strip Tillage: Environmental Benefits (Farm & Food Care)
Videos: Strip Tillage: Early Adopter Farmer Profiles (Farm & Food Care)
Website: Strip Tillage (Cornell University)
Environmental Impacts
REDUCES FARM GREENHOUSE GAS FOOTPRINT
Reduced tillage systems require fewer passes over the field compared to conventional tillage, reducing fuel use for tractors and other machinery. This directly lowers carbon dioxide emissions associated with diesel fuel combustion. By minimizing soil disturbance, reduced-till practices enhance the accumulation of organic matter and carbon in the soil. When soil is left undisturbed, it allows carbon to be stored (sequestered) for longer periods, effectively capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Reduced-till systems can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by improving soil structure and enhancing microbial health. This promotes more efficient nutrient cycling and reduces conditions (e.g., excessive soil compaction) that typically lead to nitrous oxide release.
IMPROVES WATER QUALITY
Reduced-till farming typically improves water quality by reducing soil erosion, minimizing nutrient runoff, and preventing sediment from entering surface water. The residue left on the soil surface helps protect against erosion and reduces nutrient runoff by maintaining soil structure. However, in dairy rotations where all aboveground biomass is harvested and no residue remains, these benefits may be diminished, as the absence of residue limits the effectiveness of reduced-till practices in enhancing water quality; poorly draining soil and surface manure application may exacerbate the problem.
REFerences
Alignment with FARM Program
FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment
FARM ES Version 3 includes an optional crop module, allowing users to enter their unique cropping practices including tillage type and depth. The optional FARM ES Conservation Practice Questionnaire (CPQ) asks about conservation practices used including strip and reduced tillage.
Contents
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
Reduced tillage encompasses a range of soil management practices designed to minimize soil disturbance, including methods from chisel plowing and disking to no-till systems. Common approaches, such as strip-till, zone-till, and vertical tillage (sometimes referred to as "turbo tilling"), are considered "reduced-till" practices. These methods aim to retain at least 30% of crop residue on the soil surface, which helps reduce erosion and improves water infiltration.
Reduced tillage practices involve shallower, less intensive, and less frequent soil disturbance compared to conventional tillage. By partially incorporating crop residues, these methods promote decomposition and nutrient cycling while maintaining soil structure. Examples include:
Strip-tillage: This practice tills only narrow strips where crops will be planted, leaving the areas between rows undisturbed. It strikes a balance between no-till and full-width tillage, often requiring multiple equipment passes to create an optimal seedbed. In strip-till, the planting is often done in a second pass.
Vertical tillage: This approach lightly disturbs the soil surface to manage crop residue and prepare the seedbed. It tills only a few inches deep, helping to level the soil surface and address ruts. It can also be used to incorporate cover crop seeds that require minimal soil contact for germination.
Practices and technologies
Reduced Tillage and Strip-Tillage
alternative practice name:
Conservation Tillage; Residue Management; Turbo tilling; Strip-till; Zone-till
REGIONALITY
When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found:
Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
COMPARABLE FARM SIZE
When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:
0 - 100 cows, 100 - 500 cows, 500 - 2500 cows, 2500 - 5000 cows, Over 5000 cows
Practice Benefits
Reduced fuel costs: Reduced tillage equipment uses less fuel compared to conventional full-width tillage.
Reduced labor: Reduced tillage passes are often done much faster than conventional tillage passes, saving time, which can be very helpful in small planting windows.
Improved soil structure: Reduced tillage minimizes soil disturbance, enhancing soil tilth and structure while preserving soil aggregates. This practice supports improved soil health and water infiltration and prevents the development of a plow pan, which can restrict root growth in conventional systems.
Increased soil carbon: By reducing soil disturbance, reduced tillage slows the decomposition of organic matter, promoting soil carbon accumulation. Higher soil carbon levels improve the soil’s capacity to retain water and nutrients, benefiting crop growth and resilience.
Reduced yield variability: Reduced tillage systems promote better water management and nutrient cycling, leading to more consistent crop yields year after year. Many farms report higher yields under long-term reduced tillage management and greater resilience to extreme weather conditions.
Reduced erosion: Undisturbed soils are less prone to erosion when compared with tilled soils, which can lose soil aggregates and become more susceptible to wind and water erosion. In addition, when used in conjunction with cover crops or crop rotations that generate residues (as seen in grain and bean rotations), reduced tillage management will help maintain surface residue that further protects soil from erosion.
Improved drought resistance: The increased organic matter content in reduced-tillage soils also enhances water retention, making crops more resilient during dry periods. When used in conjunction with cover crops or crop rotations that generate residues (as seen in grain and bean rotations), reduced-till management helps retain soil moisture by leaving crop residues on the surface. This reduces evaporation and keeps soils cooler.
Implementation Insights
Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements
In most cases, there are no specific site or farm requirements.
Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)
Tillage equipment: The choice of reduced tillage equipment—such as vertical tillage, strip-till, and zone-till—indeed depends on farm goals, soil types, and management practices. Each system offers unique benefits and considerations:
Vertical tillage implement: This equipment provides full-width, shallow tillage (typically one to four inches). It uses vertical coulters to avoid causing horizontal soil shearing, which helps maintain soil structure.
Strip-till implement: This tool creates narrow tilled strips where crops are planted, leaving the areas between rows undisturbed, which helps conserve soil moisture and organic matter. Many strip-till systems integrate fertilizer applications to optimize nutrient placement, which can increase initial costs. The equipment varies in construction and design, with some models providing adjustable depth settings and various shank options to suit different soil conditions and management needs.
Planter upgrades or modifications: To operate efficiently with reduced tillage systems, planters may need modifications or upgrades, such as residue managers or specialized row cleaners, to ensure proper seed placement and depth.
GPS and precision agriculture technology: Many reduced tillage systems, such as strip-till, benefit from GPS guidance for precise placement of tillage rows. This requires investment in GPS units and software, which may also integrate with other equipment for planting and fertilizing.
Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)
Maintenance: Producers should anticipate regular maintenance costs associated with all farm equipment.
Implementation Considerations
Adaptation: Implementing reduced tillage is generally more manageable than transitioning directly to no-till, offering a less steep learning curve while still providing significant soil health benefits. While some adaptation is necessary, especially for farmers unfamiliar with reduced tillage systems, the process is well-supported by decades of successful practice and ongoing refinement.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams
FEDERAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM
Funding is available for this practice through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Related EQIP Practice Standard: Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced Till (345).
Related CSP Enhancement: Reduced tillage to reduce soil erosion (E345A), Reduced tillage to reduce tillage induced particulate matter (E345B), Reduced tillage to increase plant-available moisture (E345C), Reduced tillage to increase soil health and soil organic matter content (E345D), Reduced tillage to reduce energy use (E345E).
Notes:
Check with the local NRCS office on payment rates and practice requirements relevant to your location.
Strip tillage can be used to qualify for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation management/no-till incentive programs.
CARBON CREDITS
This practice is commonly credited in carbon markets. The practice can generate both offset and inset credits.
Notes:
The impact of diverse crop rotations is primarily estimated through scientific modeling in the project and would use farm management information including planting, harvest, tillage, fertilizer, irrigation, and grazing information from the year the change happened and likely three years before.
Only new practices are eligible for crediting under most offset and inset programs, though existing conservation practices may increrase the emissions reduction estimates under both offset and inset opportunities.
Offset removals in soils created by this practice typically need to be guaranteed for 50-100 years (see Verra methodology and Climate Action Reserve's Soil Enrichment Protocol). The practice does not necessarily have to be maintained that long, rather conservation practices as a whole need to continue to maintain the soil.
Producers generally contribute to a buffer pool to insure against risks of natural disasters or unintentional reversals of sequestered carbon. Intentional reversals, from intensive tillage or land sales, may require operators to return proceeds from the project.
The length of an inset project is more flexible, determined in agreement with the supply chain partner.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES, TOOLS, AND CASE STUDIES
Additional Resources
Article: Consider the Strip-Tillage Advantage (Iowa State University)
Article: Selecting a Strip-Till Rig (North Carolina State University)
Article: Strip Till for Field Crop Production (North Dakota State University)
Article: Strip-Tillers Out Yield US, No-Till Averages in 2021 (Strip-Till Farmer)
Article: Should I (Still) Be Tilling My Fields (Farmers Business Network)
Article: 10 Considerations for Adopting Strip-Till (Iowa State University)
Article: 10 Tips for Making the Switch to Strip-Till Farming (Pioneer)
Article: The Purpose and Ideal Uses for Tillage Implements (University of Minnesota)
Video: Strip Tillage: Environmental Benefits (Farm & Food Care)
Videos: Strip Tillage: Early Adopter Farmer Profiles (Farm & Food Care)
Website: Strip Tillage (Cornell University)
Research
REFerences
REDUCES FARM GREENHOUSE GAS FOOTPRINT
Reduced tillage systems require fewer passes over the field compared to conventional tillage, reducing fuel use for tractors and other machinery. This directly lowers carbon dioxide emissions associated with diesel fuel combustion. By minimizing soil disturbance, reduced-till practices enhance the accumulation of organic matter and carbon in the soil. When soil is left undisturbed, it allows carbon to be stored (sequestered) for longer periods, effectively capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Reduced-till systems can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by improving soil structure and enhancing microbial health. This promotes more efficient nutrient cycling and reduces conditions (e.g., excessive soil compaction) that typically lead to nitrous oxide release.
IMPROVES WATER QUALITY
Reduced-till farming typically improves water quality by reducing soil erosion, minimizing nutrient runoff, and preventing sediment from entering surface water. The residue left on the soil surface helps protect against erosion and reduces nutrient runoff by maintaining soil structure. However, in dairy rotations where all aboveground biomass is harvested and no residue remains, these benefits may be diminished, as the absence of residue limits the effectiveness of reduced-till practices in enhancing water quality; poorly draining soil and surface manure application may exacerbate the problem.
Alignment with FARM Program
FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment
FARM ES Version 3 includes an optional crop module, allowing users to enter their unique cropping practices including tillage type and depth. The optional FARM ES Conservation Practice Questionnaire (CPQ) asks about conservation practices used including strip and reduced tillage.