How to Fit a SoilWarrior® to Your Farm’s Needs and Budget

As you plan for the upcoming season, equipment decisions often sit at the intersection of agronomics, efficiency and finances. For many farmers, strip-till continues to earn serious consideration; but understanding which equipment to use, how to configure the equipment and how to pay for it are just as important as deciding to adopt the practice itself.

Where a SoilWarrior® Fits Best on Your Farm

No two farms are the same, and a successful strip-till system depends on matching the equipment to your fields, soils and operation.

Field Types and Cropping Systems 
SoilWarrior® systems commonly are used across a wide range of crop rotations, including corn-on-corn, corn-soybean and row crops after solid-seeded crop acres. They’re especially valuable in high-residue systems and erosion-prone fields where maintaining surface cover matters. 

One common misconception is a SoilWarrior® must match planter width. With GPS and RTK guidance, many farmers successfully run a different number of rows than their planters while staying precisely on the strip with passive guidance functionality. Optional cart steering provides active implement guidance, which adds even more accuracy.

Soil Types and Field Conditions
Soil type plays a major role in row unit selection. In tight, heavy-clay soils, a shank can be effective at achieving consistent depth and breaking through compaction, but it also can create sidewall smearing; coulters tend to be more forgiving and are preferred, especially in moist soils.

That flexibility is one reason many new customers lean toward the SoilWarrior® Edge™ row unit. It’s extremely durable and allows farmers to adapt to changing soil and residue conditions without being locked into a single approach. Changing from coulter-only to coulter plus shank is a quick and easy conversion on the Edge row unit.

Residue is another important factor to consider. Fields with heavy residue, such as corn-on-corn, can challenge some strip-till setups. Our coulter-based setup excels in these situations, keeping strips clean and consistent from pass to pass. 

Operational Fit and Equipment Options
Operational needs, such as acreage, fertilizer strategy, depth goals and technology compatibility, all influence how a SoilWarrior® is configured. 

The most common choice for farmers is the SoilWarrior® X coulter-based row unit. It cuts through residue, mixes soil roughly six inches deep and creates a consistent seedbed while effectively blending fertilizer throughout the planting zone. For farmers looking to go deeper, a single 30-inch cog can reach depths of up to 12 inches to open the soil. 
 
The SoilWarrior® N row unit combines a shank and single coulter, helping achieve consistent depth, break through hard soils and effectively seal anhydrous ammonia. For maximum versatility, the Edge row unit allows farmers to switch between coulters and a shank depending on field conditions. Complete SoilWarrior® systems are available in several widths with dry granular or liquid fertilizer tank options.

Purchasing Considerations

Once the agronomic fit is established, the financial conversation begins. There’s no single “right” way to purchase a SoilWarrior®. Some farmers finance, others lease and some choose co-purchase models. Before making a purchase, it may be helpful to work with an agronomist to understand how strip-till may influence other management decisions, from seed selection, fertilizer rates and weed control strategies. 

Being able to clearly articulate how the equipment improves the business is key. This might include increased production capacity, labor or fuel savings, or improved input efficiency.

For Mike Trom of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, the decision came down to return on investment.

“Switching to a strip-till system has saved me time and fuel and improved nutrient placement for crop availability,” Trom says. “I want to make the right investment that will save me in years to come.”

Others emphasize the long-term agronomic value. “I’ve seen how it helps preserve my land while enhancing plant performance and yields,” says Sean Arthur, ETS regional sales manager and Iowa farmer.

Strip-till equipment is more specialized than traditional tillage tools, so working with a lender familiar with strip-till can make a meaningful difference in valuation and approval. Ultimately, the question becomes how best to use available cash. Some operations prefer to preserve liquidity by balancing cash and financing, keeping funds available for unexpected expenses or future opportunities.

Key Reasons to Purchase a SoilWarrior®

One Pass for Tillage and Fertilizer
A major advantage of the SoilWarrior® is combining tillage and fertilizer placement in a single pass. Its unique cog, coulter or shank-and-knife design precisely mixes fertilizer throughout a 10-inch zone at adjustable depths of 2-10 inches. Placing nutrients exactly where roots can access them improves fertilizer efficiency, reduces runoff risk and helps crops better utilize applied inputs.

Soil Health and Erosion Control
Many farmers turn to strip-till for its soil health benefits. Protecting topsoil helps preserve long-term yield potential. Strip-till maintains residue between rows while creating an ideal zone for planting and nutrient uptake.

Fuel, Labor and Time Savings
Efficiency is where strip-till often shines. One pass ahead of planting can reduce labor needs, minimize equipment use and streamline spring workloads.

Fuel costs are typically much lower than conventional tillage systems. SoilWarrior® users have reported saving tens of thousands of dollars in fuel, labor and fertilizer costs and are able to farm more acres with fewer machines than before. 

Consistent Seedbed and Yield Protection
Fewer passes also mean less compaction. Reduced compaction supports better root development, improved water infiltration and stronger soil structure. The SoilWarrior® incorporates organic matter into the soil, stimulating beneficial microbial activity and improving nutrient cycling and water-holding capacity. The result is a smooth, consistent seedbed that allows for faster planter speeds and more accurate seed placement.

Long-Term Value and Durability
Beyond the agronomic benefits, durability is a major reason farmers stay with the SoilWarrior® long term. Built as a rugged, one-piece system with heavy-duty components designed to handle high speeds, tough soils and long days in the field, the SoilWarrior® is engineered to stand up to years of use with minimal downtime.

“SoilWarrior® has done a fantastic job putting together a one-piece setup,” says Stratton Kraft, a Colorado dairy farmer. “In the long run, it holds up better. You can set it, know it’s running right and cover a lot of ground quickly.”

Fitting a SoilWarrior® to your farm isn’t just about buying equipment, it’s about aligning agronomy, efficiency and financial strategy. By understanding where it fits best, exploring flexible purchasing options and evaluating long-term value, farmers can make informed decisions that support both productivity and profitability for years to come.