Strip Tilling
Innovation in Tillage
Toews Family Farm is always looking for ways to drive sustainability and savings. In 2013, brothers-operators Dean, Devin, and Darren began practicing strip tilling – an offering they’ve since added to their custom farming services. A third option between conventional tilling and no-till systems, strip tilling cultivates only the rows where the seed will be planted and/or fertilizer placed. Benefits include, among others, economization of fertilizer inputs and reduction in wind erosion, which is a regular challenge for prairie farmers.
Last season we strip-tilled more than 4,000 acres, in addition to our own crops. If you’re interested in our custom strip tilling services, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Strip Tilling FAQ
What is strip tilling?
It’s a cultivation practice in which only the row where seed and/or fertilizer will be placed. It incorporates many of the benefits of no-till while still providing a tilled seedbed. The strips can be tilled in either autumn or spring, and farmers who strip-till before winter often till a “freshener” of the strip in the spring.
What are its soil benefits?
The most obvious benefit of strip tilling is that it helps reduce soil erosion. The soil is also warmer in springtime, as removing the residue of the planting row allows for the sun to warm it. Compaction also occurs, as the soil structure firms up and the reduced trips across the field minimizes disturbance. Finally, less tillage equals more earthworms, fungi, and other organisms that can improve soil aggregation.
What are its fuel impacts?
Oftentimes conventional tilling requires three to four passes, so already the significantly reduced time on the field results in considerable fuel savings.
What are its impacts regarding cover crops?
With the soil mostly undisturbed, there’s more than sufficient room to have a cover crop grow in between the rows. Strip tilling can happen following cover crop application, ensuring a clean seed bed for next year’s crop as well.
See For Yourself
Get in Touch
Phone
(204) 685-2045
Toll Free
1-866-862-8304
tfecustomharvesting@gmail.com
Address
PO Box 149
MacGregor, MB R0H 0R0
SE – 35-11-10
MacGregor, MB R0H 0R0
SE – 35-11-10