Benefits of Strip Tillage and Subsurface Nutrient Application

Prior to 2016, the Kelloggs planted most of their crops with conventional tillage. They decided to change to strip tillage to reduce fieldwork and improve nutrient efficiency. They purchased a strip tillage toolbar that places fertilizer about 5 inches below the ground in a 9-inch band. This was a major investment and complete management change for the family. However, with the combination of grid soil testing, variable rate technology and subsurface nutrient placement, in a band where the crop can more efficiently absorb the nutrients, they reduced their fertilizer cost by about one-third.