Australian farmers face significant challenges due to highly variable soil conditions and unpredictable rainfall. As a result, achieving uniform crop emergence has become increasingly difficult. To address this issue, David Finlay of MPT.ag set out to develop a semi-autonomous air seeder that optimises seed placement using live soil sensing and real-time depth control. Collaborating with SmartAG Systems for their expertise in ISOBUS technology and precision agricultural controls to achieve this ambitious goal.
Why ISOBUS?
Traditional dryland broadacre seeders and planters are typically large mechanical machines that require manual adjustments for seeding depth, downforce pressures, and seed rates. This manual approach provides limited flexibility and additional challenges when working with varying soil characteristics. To fully leverage their seeder’s advanced hardware and capabilities, MPT.ag chose to pursue full ISOBUS compliance.
ISOBUS provides a standardised software platform allowing seamless integration with the tractor’s existing systems, simplifying machine control and enabling automated adjustments based on live soil data. By adopting ISOBUS, the seeder can efficiently use GPS data, ISOXML shape files, and integrated soil maps to dynamically adjust seeding parameters, improving operational ease, precision, and significantly more consistent crop emergence.
SmartAG’s Role and Influence
SmartAG Systems played a crucial role in shaping the project’s progression with its software and ISOBUS implementation expertise. David highlighted that while software was fundamental, the collaboration extended beyond programming. SmartAG provided valuable insights into how the seeder could operate within the ISOBUS platform, ensuring it met complex operational requirements. Their recommendation to engage Oilpath, a hydraulic control specialist, significantly expedited the development process, ensuring precise and responsive hydraulic control was matched with advanced electronic integration.
Technology in Action: Real-Time Optimisation
ISOBUS integration transformed the MPT seeder into a semi-autonomous machine capable of on-the-fly adjustments. The seeder’s 36 tines independently adjust depth according to real-time soil sensor data, ensuring seeds are placed optimally for moisture availability and uniform emergence. The seeder can utilise integrated ISOXML shape files, allowing farmers to program precise seeding parameters tailored to the specific soil characteristics at each location.
This technology opens an array of opportunities not currently available in current equipment. With an array of satellite maps, in-field sensors, and general connectivity improvements, the machine can potentially be operated in a wide array of tillage and seeding roles. – David Finaly
Overcoming ISOBUS Challenges
Achieving full ISOBUS compliance was not without challenges. The primary hurdle was managing the complexity and volume of inputs and outputs required for real-time adjustments. As a standardised platform, ISOBUS has certain inherent limitations. SmartAG Systems collaborated closely with MPT.ag to develop innovative solutions that effectively addressed communicative bandwidth constraints, ensuring the system could handle the increased data flow necessary for precise control across all seeding equipment.
Agronomic Benefits: Uniformity and Resilience
David believes that while this technology may not necessarily increase maximum yields under optimal conditions, it does offer significant agronomic benefits, especially in challenging years. By placing seeds precisely according to available moisture, farmers can significantly reduce variability in crop emergence. This is particularly critical in dry years, where the difference between achieving near-average yields and experiencing severe yield loss can profoundly impact farm profitability.
A Model for Future Innovation
SmartAG Systems and MPT.ag collaboration demonstrate a practical pathway for future AgTech innovations.
By building a new technology that aligns naturally with current farming practices and integrates into existing operational systems like ISOBUS and ISOXML, then the ease of adoption should be much easier and streamlined. – David Finlay
Partnership Driving Precision
This project exemplifies how effective partnerships can overcome complex challenges, resulting in efficient, farmer-friendly innovations. With commercial-scale trials planned for 2025, this ISOBUS-enabled semi-autonomous seeder represents a significant advancement in precision seeding, ensuring Australian farmers achieve more uniform emergence, improved moisture management, and, ultimately, more resilient crops.