Deficit irrigation was used to compare Strip-Till vs.. conventional tillage at the Irrigation Research Foundation (IRF) near Yuma, CO during the 2006 growing season.
Two DEKALB® corn hybrids DKC 52-40 (RR2/YGPL) and DKC 61-68 ( RR2/YGRW) were compared in Strip-Till and conventional tillage.  Conventional tilled plots were disked twice prior to planting.  Three levels of irrigation, 13, 10 and 7.8 inches were applied to both hybrids across Strip-Till and conventionally tilled areas.  Plant populations were 32,000 in the 13 inch irrigation and reduced to 25,000 and 18,000 plants per acre under 10 and 7.8 inches of irrigation.  All plots were eight rows wide and duplicated to increase accuracy of the experimental procedure.
Yield analysis showed a benefit to maintaining crop residue on the soil surface which acts to promote deeper root growth in the Strip-Tilled plots and increased water infiltration which is critical in a water short environment.  Strip-Till out yielded the conventional plots  in each of the three irrigation levels.  The value of crop residue conservation with Strip-Till showed greatest yield increase as irrigation levels decreased.

Previous studies at the IRF  and a site in Mingo, KS under limited and full irrigation also confirmed the benefits of Strip-Till.