Mapping capability added to Case IH AFS Soil Command

The new mapping function for Case IH AFS Soil Command enables growers who detect zones of different soil types and conditions within fields to set-up their implements accordingly and automatically apply those settings in terms of working depth and the relationship between different soil-working elements of the cultivator.

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In addition to monitoring and enabling operators to correctly adjust multi-element tillage tools on the go, AFS Soil Command can also have a mapping function to alter settings in pre-defined zones and record operations to create tillage maps. – Photos: Case IH

Real-time field mapping data

The mapping facility will then record all key tillage tool adjustments and provide real-time field mapping data that can be used with yield and other maps to help inform future decisions on cultivation practices.

AFS Soil Command

AFS Soil Command was first introduced on the Tiger-Mate 255, a trailed cultivator with curved shanks spaced 152mm (6in) apart followed by a flexible harrow tines and cage packer, and available in 5.6m to 18.4m (18ft 6in to 16ft 6in) working widths.

It has since become available as an option on True-Tandem disc harrows and vertical tillage tools, and the Ecolo-Tiger 875 disc ripper, which two rows of discs with deeper-working tines to incorporate crops residues.

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With AFS Soil Command mapping technology, we’re giving farmers a deeper understanding of the agronomic benefits of tillage and encouragement to stop ‘farming on the average

Yield improvements

Making precise adjustments to treat different areas of a field can result in yield improvements. “Producers consistently rely on hard data to streamline their operations – from tractor fuel economy to planter and seeding data; and now, that data is becoming increasingly available for tillage equipment, too,” he adds.

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This map for different tillage tool set-up presets is based on field slope and harvester yield data.

Seamless 2-way data transfer

AFS Soil Command mapping technology is designed to notify operators of problem areas and changing field conditions using seamless 2-way data transfer, enabling growers to compare recorded data with yield maps.

Partnership research with Ohio State University

Analysis can help them understand the effects tillage had on those areas – a goal that is being pursued through partnership research with Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

This will use an Ecolo-Tiger 875 disc ripper equipped with AFS Soil Command to evaluate the potential for tillage adjustments to have an impact on yield potential in response to varying field conditions from residue management to differing soil types.

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Measurable returns

“We want to communicate the importance of tillage through measurable returns,” said Andrew Klopfenstein, senior research associate engineer at Ohio State University. “Today, it’s more important than ever to assess every aspect of field operations, including tillage.”

Also read: Case IH increases connectivity with Magnum tractors