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Maple Park Today
By the People, for the People
New Soil Mapping Tech Helps No-Till Farmers Boost Yields
Precision Planting's SmartFirmer sensor creates high-resolution soil maps for variable-rate seeding and hybrid selection.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:59am
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Advanced soil mapping technology empowers no-till farmers to optimize planting decisions for improved yields and sustainability.Maple Park TodayPrecision Planting has developed a new seed firming tool called the SmartFirmer that combines a high-resolution sensor to create detailed soil maps as farmers plant. These soil maps allow no-till farmers to variable-rate their seed populations and select hybrids based on organic matter levels, helping to boost yields across their fields.
Why it matters
Optimizing planting based on soil conditions is crucial for no-till farmers looking to maximize productivity and sustainability. The ability to create high-quality soil maps in real-time can help growers make more informed decisions about seed, populations, and other inputs to improve overall farm profitability.
The details
The SmartFirmer tool from Precision Planting uses sensor technology to measure organic matter levels and other soil properties as the planter passes through the field. This data is then used to generate detailed soil maps that farmers can leverage to variable-rate their seed populations and select the best-suited hybrids for each zone of the field. Research has shown that using these precision management tools can earn farmers an extra $5.20 per acre.
- The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently released a set of national soil maps depicting the distribution of chemical elements and minerals.
- Precision Planting's SmartFirmer tool is a new product that combines seed firming with high-resolution soil sensing.
The players
Precision Planting
An agricultural technology company that develops innovative tools and software to help farmers optimize their planting operations.
Darian Landolt
A researcher in the Product Management Innovation Group at CNH Global, who emphasizes the need for sustainable productivity increases to feed future generations.
What they’re saying
“To feed future generations, no-tillers will need to find new ways to increase productivity while conserving current and future resources.”
— Darian Landolt, Researcher, CNH Global Product Management Innovation Group
The takeaway
The combination of high-resolution soil mapping and variable-rate planting technology is a powerful tool for no-till farmers looking to boost yields and profitability while also promoting more sustainable farming practices.
