Adjusting depth on your planter is time-consuming. SmartDepth allows you to quickly and easily make depth adjustments, from inside the cab, as conditions change. This saves you time and gives you the confidence that each row is set right where you need it to be.
Too Shallow, Too Deep, Just Right
Many farmers believe that getting planting depth deep enough so each seed is in moisture is the proper way to set depth. While getting into moisture is important, there are tradeoffs to planting too deep or too shallow. If planted too shallow, seeds potentially are not in moisture and will not germinate consistently.
What about when there is plenty of moisture in the soil, even at shallower depths? In this scenario, planting deeper than necessary will cost you emergence speed and consistency due to less heat being available at the deeper depths, which drives emergence.
The Same Depth Setting Doesn't Mean the Same Depth
Even when set to the same depth setting, the actual planting depth across a planter can vary by up to 1/2" because of manufacturing variance and wear. You can check this variability on your planter by doing a block check in your shop. SmartDepth removes row-to-row variability through a calibration process to make sure the same depth setting truly means the same depth.
Dial-in Depth in Shallow Seeded Crops
When you are trying to get seeds just below the soil's surface in crops like cotton, it is critical to have the right depth set. Being off by a 1/4 or 1/2 inch can be the difference between getting a great stand or having to replant. SmartDepth allows you to make depth adjustments in 1/10th inch increments, right from the cab, so you can get your seed depth exactly where you need it.