What is the difference between strip-till and ridge-till farming?
Answers:
Ridge-till farming is a method similar to the raised beds used by some organic gardeners, just on a larger scale. Soil is 'ridged' with special equipment, leaving it with established 'traffic' lanes. This reduces compaction, warms the soil quicker, and reduces problems that arise from too much rain, as the traffic lanes have higher compaction and are less likely to be impossible to traverse when wet. It also helps with harvesting during wet periods. Strip-till is a method where strips of different crops are planted next to each other, such as soybeans and corn. They are planted in alternating strips about the width of a harvesting machines head. These methods are not mutually exclusive, and in many cases strip-tilling lends itself well to ridge-till methods. The advantages inherent to each method increase yields even more
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