strip-cropping

Strip cropping is an agricultural technique where cultivated crops, such as corn, are grown in alternating strips with sod-forming crops like hay. These strips are arranged to follow the land's contour, which helps to minimize soil erosion.1

This method is particularly useful in dryland farming, where crops are grown without irrigation in areas with less than 20 inches of annual precipitation. In regions with less than 15 inches of rainfall, crops like winter wheat are common, but strip cropping can be employed with crops such as grain sorghum and dry beans to reduce soil blowing and drifting, especially on sandy soils. For instance, alternating strips of grain sorghum with peanuts or cotton can protect against wind erosion and improve soil moisture usage. This practice also helps build nitrogen and organic matter, improving soil structure.2