A method of placing nutrients in bands 5-8 inches deep in the fall is referred to as "fall strip-till." This system evolved as a way of improving no-till corn production in cool wet regions of the northern Cornbelt. The system works on flatter, poorly and somewhat poorly drained soils in the Midwest.
A mound, where the seed will be planted, is prepared in the fall and will be approximately 5 to 10 degrees warmer than untouched soil the following spring. Seeds are planted in the spring directly over the mound of nutrients left the previous fall.

Fall strip-till: A toolbar is equipped to inject nitrogen fertilizer while building 2-3 inch mounds. P & K may be deep-banded in the same operation.

Requirements
1. Applicator matches the corn planter row spacing and same number of rows (for instance, 8-row, 30-inch planter on an 8-row, 30-inch toolbar).

2. Applicator has markers so the fields can be laid out exactly in the fall as needed for planting in the spring.

3. Applicator has a coulter ahead of an injection knife, followed by covering discs. Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) with nitrogen stabilizer is placed 5-8 inches deep. P and K may also be placed, 2-3 inches shallower than the ammonia, using the same knife.

4. Tool bar has adjustable spring-loaded, covering discs capable of leaving a uniform 3-inch mound over the injection track.

5. Rear hitch or hitches on the bar allows trailing tank's wheels to run in the middle of the injection mounds. Wider row spacings allow more area for wheels to run.

Fall strip-till mimics the ridge-till system since a mound with little residue cover is built during nutrient injection. The coulters cut and separate the residue, then the knife loosens the soil and injects fertilizer in a band directly under the area where the seed will be placed in the spring.

The double-disc sealers build a mound with the soil that is raised by the injection knife. That mound will warm up and dry out faster in the spring.
The planter should be set up so that it will plant seed in the center of the mound. This is accomplished by using a visual guidance rod mounted on the tractor like those designed for rear mounted cultivators. To ensure proper planter performance, use residue management devices.

Double-disc sealers, just behind injection knife, build the mound.

Advantages
Warmer and drier soil in the strip
   or mounds for better emergence.
Improves planter performance.
Ideal fertilizer placement, directly
   under the seedling.
Improves the seedling's early
   growth (especially corn).
Eliminates compaction directly
   below the seedling.

Disadvantages
Slope limitation of 6-7% without
   contouring, 10% with contouring.
A narrow window of application
   timing, usually 2-4 weeks in the
   fall.
Not suited for spring application.
Some soils are not suitable for 
   fall NH3, but P and K can be
   applied without NH3.
Cost of nitrogen inhibitor.
Cost of toolbar (owned or rented).
Residue cover can be significantly
   reduced when used in fragile
   residue.

Cautions:
1. Seedling injury may result from planting directly over nitrogen tracks with spring-applied NH3.

2. Soil erosion can occur in the strip if a proper mound is not made or the slope limitations are exceeded.