TerraSystem

The TerraSystem™ is an innovative cropping technology that efficiently performs in one pass those functions (tillage, planting, fertilizing, and soil consolidation) that farmers currently do in 2 to 4 passes. Multi-tasking by farmers can dramatically reduce labor and fuel costs, but the horsepower required to pull multiple implements in the field is often prohibitive. Limited field testing of simple prototypes indicates that the TerraSystem requires only about 80% of the horsepower required to pull a traditional subsoiler alone.

One of the most significant achievements of the TerraSystem is the natural reduction in soil bulk density and increased waterfill pore space. By the third year of using the TerraSystem, pulling an implement through the soil requires significantly less horsepower. The future for farm implement production should move from iron based materials to carbon fiber, ceramics, and other light weight materials, resulting in lower energy requirements for growing crops. Future implements that weigh two thirds less means even lower soil bulk density.

Cultivating, planting, fertilizing and soil and water management with the TerraStar, partial prototype shown