While strip-till is an established practice in some parts of North America, individual objectives can vary by farm. Some seek improved fertilizer placement, while others have soil health improvement goals or yield consistency. But for Nathan Ensby and Trent Stainlay, both from New South Wales, Australia, a driving motivation for strip-till in their region is moisture retention and seedbed preparation.

Michigan State University Extension explains how applying compost can help increase the soil’s organic matter content, which in turn increases its water-holding capacity.