SmartFirmer technology from Precision Planting had “game-changer” written all over it, even in beta testing a couple of years ago. It uses electronic “eyes” on a stylized Keeton seed firmer in the planting trench to measure organic matter content, soil moisture, soil temperature, amount of residue in the trench and more. Precision Planting developed new monitors to better display all the information.

Observing SmartFirmer at trade shows and seeing it in action are two different things. I rode with Kyle Johnson near Churubusco, Ind., last May as he planted a field with extremely variable soil types.

Johnson was captivated by changing values for organic matter that the SmartFirmer detected. As planting progressed, he was also intrigued by soil temperature readings in the trench and how they varied both during each day and as spring warmup occurred.

Like many other farmers, Johnson was still figuring out how to best use the information. He installed six SmartFirmers on his 24-row planter for 2018 — they’re not cheap. Johnson and every other farmer will figure out whether that’s enough, or if investing in more SmartFirmers would pay.

New technology
Farmers who visited the Precision Planting Institute near Pontiac, Ill., last summer were captivated by moisture readings in the furrow. When I visited the site in August, it was extremely dry. Riding in a tractor operating a planter with SmartFirmers, the display indicated that moisture percentage was very low. Obviously, this planting was just a demonstration, so it didn’t matter. This spring, moisture reading contents will matter. Jason Webster, manager of the institute, says 35% is often a good goal for moisture content in the furrow at planting.

Related:Firsthand look at latest planter tech

BLINKING EYE: Kyle Johnson takes time out to show off one of the SmartFirmer seed firmers. Note the blinking lights of the sensor. The SmartFirmer runs along the bottom of the seed trench.

Precision Planting is testing SmartDepth, a new technology that adjusts seeding depth on the go, on selected farms this year. You can adjust it manually, or let the controller adjust seeding depth based on moisture readings from the SmartFirmer.

Once SeedDepth is available commercially, it could be another game-changer, and it may influence the number of SmartFirmers you buy. With one SmartFirmer every four rows, SeedDepth changes the seed depth automatically on six sections, four rows each, based on moisture changes in the row. If you have SmartFirmers on every other row, it’s more precise. The technology is designed to change row by row if you have a SmartFirmer on every row. Especially where soils are variable, it may be worth considering.

SeedDepth is a technology to watch this year.