SmartDepth makes setting depth easy
The new SmartDepth system from Precision Planting makes setting depth easy. All it takes is to push a button in the cab, and depth on the planter changes. You know if it is accurate because each SmartDepth module is calibrated at the beginning of the season. Precision Planting’s SmartFirmer products reads soil moisture in the furrow, and 2018 research shows that when seeds are placed in at least a 30% moisture environment, they have adequate moisture for germination. When SmartDepth is paired with SmartFirmer, moisture based control of depth can occur. The planter operator can make inputs in the cab, on the 20|20 display, of a minimum depth, and maximum depth, as well as a moisture target, and the planter will automatically adjust the depth it is planting between the minimum and the maximum depth while maintaining the soil moisture target. Adjusting where seeds are placed based on moisture provides confidence that the planter is doing the best job it can.
SmartFirmer
Get the Seed Environment Right
Digging a few seeds per field doesn’t give you a complete picture of whether your depth setting is correct. SmartFirmer is a seed firmer-sensor that measures the amount of moisture available to the seed, so you can adjust your depth correctly and know you will have a consistent crop stand.
SmartFirmer Gives Confidence
SmartFirmer is a seed-firmer sensor that is measuring the furrow as it is firming each seed into the bottom of the trench. SmartFirmer helps you know that the environment that the seed is being placed in is in good shape, but can also help you determine what type of variability you may have in your field.
Soil Moisture Sensing
Adequate moisture is needed in the soil for a seed to germinate. If the soil does not have enough moisture for a seed to germinate, it will take a rain shower to get enough moisture for that seed to germinate. SmartFirmer measures and displays soil moisture in the cab so you can make adjustments to get seeds into adequate moisture.
Soil Temperature Sensing
Seeds need sufficient temperature to germinate, but how does temperature fluctuate throughout the day as the sun shines on the field and as you plant from one soil type to the next? SmartFirmer shows you real time temperature as you are planting so you can make the right decision.
Furrow Uniformity
A consistent environment is essential for uniform seed germination and plant growth. SmartFirmer identifies any irregularities along the furrow, such as soil clods, air space, and dry soil falling from the surface, so that you can have the insight to correct row unit performance and solve these yield-robbing problems.
Residue Sensing
In-furrow crop residue has negative impacts on seed germination and growth. SmartFirmer allows you to measure the quantity of in-furrow residue and adjust row cleaners accordingly, thus ensuring residue won’t limit seed moisture uptake or transmit disease.
Organic Matter Sensing
In any field, there are multiple yield environments that are determined by differences in the field. One of the foundations of these differences is the amount of organic matter in different soils. The more Organic matter in a soil, the more water and nutrients it provides. By measuring and mapping organic matter, you can get a clear picture of variability in your fields, measured every planter pass.
Organic Matter Control
Variable rate applications can be an intimidating step to take on the farm. Between cost, prescriptions, and time, many growers have not yet reaped the profitability improvements from the implementation of site-specific farming. With SmartFirmer, you can begin variable rating with ease, using soil organic matter as the measurement that determines what rate of seed or fertilizer is applied. From the 20|20 in the cab, you simply setup a rate that you want for a given range of organic matter, and as the SmartFirmer senses the different organic matter levels in the field, it will prompt the planter to change rates automatically. Hybrid can also be changed on the go too. Using the organic matter reading to vary seeding or fertilizer rates, as well as hybrids, is a simple way to begin to determine the best way to maximize the variability in your field.
SmartFirmer pairs with 20|20 in the cab and vDrive, vApplyHD, and mSet on the planter in order to control different variables by organic matter.
