Strip Cropping (NRCS #585)

Applicable Systems

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About

Strip cropping¹ is a conservation practice where crops susceptible to erosion and crops resistant to erosion are systematically distributed in alternating strips across a field. Erosion-resistant plants protect strips of plants vulnerable to erosion, thus protecting the soil and improving crop productivity and health. For the greatest effectiveness, strip cropping can be combined with additional conservation practices such as no till or reduced till.

Key aspects and considerations:

Establish strips in equal widths to the maximum possible extent across the field.
Ensure at least 50 percent of the strips are planted with erosion-resistant vegetation.
Maintain dense vegetation to reduce flow velocity and sediment transport.
Maintain surface cover greater than 75 percent in periods of greatest soil loss potential.
Distribute accumulated sediments over the field to maintain practice effectiveness.
Plant strips perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction for wind erosion control in arid and semiarid regions.
Consider perennial grasses and legumes alternating with grain and row crops for increased effectiveness.
Avoid implementing on uneven terrain.
Conduct cost-benefit analysis to consider productivity, maintenance and operational costs.

Benefits and Limitations

ACRE Category	Benefits	Limitations
Soil Health	Reduces sheet and rill erosion by slowing surface runoff. Reduces soil loss as much as 75%, depending on the type of crop rotation and the steepness of a slope². Increases soil organic matter when perennial or residue-producing strips are preferred. Enhances long-term soil health.	Benefits decline if amount of crop residues are insufficient or strips are poorly managed.
Water Management	Increases water infiltration by reducing runoff velocity. Conserves soil moisture and improves water availability for plants. Improves surface water quality by reducing sediments and chemicals through runoff.	For maximum watershed protection, should be integrated with other practices.
Nutrient Management	Increases nutrient cycling by preserving soil organic matter and avoiding losses through runoff. Decreases fertilizer losses through erosion.	N/A
Agricultural Production	Preserves long-term productivity by reducing soil loss. Can improve crop yields on erosion-prone landscapes by conserving soil moisture and fertility.	May reduce operational efficiency in short field lengths and multiple crops.
Biodiversity and Wildlife	Improves food quantity and quality for living organisms. Provides wildlife habitat when perennial strips are included.	Benefits depend on crop diversity and strip width.
GHG Emission	Can increase soil carbon sequestration through greater biomass production and reduced soil erosion. Supports long-term carbon storage by improving soil health.	N/A
Economics	Diversifies farm income through multiple crops. One of the cheapest practices for erosion control. Minimum out-of-pocket expenses. Reduces long-term costs associated with erosion and soil degradation. May qualify for USDA conservation financial assistance programs.	Costs are primarily associated with initial field design. Additional costs with equipment operator labor and management³. May decrease machinery efficiency in narrower strips. Reduced short-term profitability.

Impact on Agricultural Resilience

Helps to maintain long-term productivity of farmland.
Improves plants resilience to droughts by increasing water holding capacity.

Regional Applicability

The USDA-NRCS North Carolina office simulated two scenarios of strip cropping implementation. One scenario aims to control water erosion, and the second one is designed to control wind erosion and the transport of airborne particulate matter from cropland.

Case Studies

Meet how Dean Sponheim, from Nora Springs, IA, incorporated strip cropping into his and his son's 600-acre farm in 2008. Since adopting the new system, he has seen an increase of 12-15% in corn yield, and $80-$100 per acre in net income over the traditional cropping systems. "We're taking care of the soil differently now, and strip-till is helping us build it back up," says Sponheim.

Resources

Video. Precision Planting: InsidePTI S4•E13 | Strip Cropping & Cover Crop Grazing
NC State University: SERA-17, Stripcropping
Strip-till Farmer: Strip-Cropping Experiments Yielding Economic, Environmental Advantages

References

USDA-NRCS (2017). Conservation Practice Standard Document, Stripcropping, Code 585. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/Stripcropping_585_CPS_Oct_2017.pdf
McNeely, R., Logan, A. A., Obrecht, J., Giglierano, J., & Wolter, C. (2017). Iowa Best Management Practices (BMP) Mapping Project Handbook. https://www.iowaview.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Iowa-Best-Management-Practices-Mapping-Handbook.pdf
Al-Amin, A. K. M. A., Lowenberg-DeBoer, J., Erickson, B. J., Evans, J. T., Langemeier, M. R., Franklin, K., & Behrendt, K. (2024). Economics of strip cropping with autonomous machines. Agronomy Journal, 116, 572-589. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21536
Miller, T.P., Peterson, J. R., Lenhart, C. F. & Nomura, Y. (2012). The Agricultural BMP Handbook for Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Agriculture, p.72-74. https://www.house.mn.gov/comm/docs/AG-BMPHandbookforMN_09_2012.pdf
USDA-NRCS (2017). Conservation Practice Overview, Stripcropping (Code 585). https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/Stripcropping_Overview_585_Oct_2017_final.pdf

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Strip Cropping photo 1 — Photo 1: Machinery working in a strip cropping field.

Photo courtesy of USDA.

Strip Cropping photo 2 — Photo 2: Strip cropping aerial view.

Photo courtesy of USDA-NRCS Montana.