Strip-till in Ukraine: Strip Tillage Outperforms Plowing in Yield and Cost Savings
The strip-till technology, which involves tilling the soil only in strips where seeds are sown, is gradually replacing traditional plowing in Ukrainian fields. Research conducted in farms in Kyiv, Poltava, and Vinnytsia regions has shown that this method provides higher yields for corn and soybeans, as well as significantly reduces diesel fuel costs.
This is reported by AgroReview
Advantages of Strip-till Compared to Other Tillage Systems
At the “Crop Production 2026” conference, results comparing four main tillage systems were presented: plowing, deep tillage, disking, and strip-till. In all three regions, strip tillage emerged as the leader in profitability. According to Andriy Horobets, brand manager of BEDNAR in Ukraine, the results are based on real field data obtained from various soil types and agro-climatic conditions.
“Short-term solutions do not compensate for systemic degradation”
This statement best characterizes the long-term advantage of strip-till — the technology helps maintain soil fertility and avoid degradation.
The Impact of Strip-till on Yields and Farm Economics
For corn, strip-till promotes the development of a stronger root system and moisture retention in the soil, which is particularly relevant in the conditions of the spring drought of 2026. Reducing the number of passes of machinery decreases soil compaction, positively affecting its structure in subsequent seasons.
For soybean cultivation, experiments showed even clearer advantages of strip-till. Sowing on unprepared stubble led to prolonged vegetation, partial lodging of plants, and increased grain moisture, negatively affecting yield and profit. The use of strip tillage ensured uniform plant development and stable harvesting results.
According to estimates, with diesel fuel priced at 92 UAH/liter and a farm area of 500 hectares, strip-till allows for a 30-40% reduction in fuel costs for tillage. With an average consumption of 15 liters/ha, this translates to savings of 207,000–276,000 UAH per season just on soil preparation. Additionally, costs for machinery maintenance and labor for operators are reduced.
A complete transition to strip-till in one season is only possible with the appropriate equipment. The cost of a strip-tiller unit starts from $60,000–120,000 depending on the working width. However, farms can utilize the services of strip-till operators already present in the Ukrainian market: the average cost is 800–1,500 UAH/ha depending on the region and soil type.
Experts advise farmers to initially implement strip tillage on 20-30% of their land, compare results with traditional systems, and make decisions about expanding the technology based on their own experience and economic indicators.