Category: Precision Ag Technology

Efficient water management is crucial in agriculture, and a laser-guided tile plow has changed what’s possible during installation — improving precision and efficiency well beyond manual methods.

1. Enhanced Installation Precision

Laser-guided equipment places drainage tile at the exact slope and depth required for optimal water flow, preventing pooling or inadequate drainage. Paired with RTK GPS, which combines satellite data with ground stations to build a detailed 3D map of the terrain, and an automated slope-control system that eliminates manual grade calculations, the result is consistent placement with far fewer errors and a faster overall workflow.

2. Higher Crop Yields Through Better Drainage

Research shows improved drainage practices boosting corn yields by 10 to 45 bushels per acre and soybean yields by 4 to 15 bushels per acre. Precise installation supports better water management, healthier root development, and nutrient uptake — and prevents the excess salt buildup and disease pressure that come with overly moist soil.

3. Time and Labor Savings

Automated, laser-guided systems remove the need for manual grade calculations and traditional surveying setups, while RTK GPS integration lets equipment adjust instantly to changing terrain. Together, that means fewer workers on-site, lower labor costs, and faster project turnaround.

4. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness

The upfront cost of laser-guided equipment can feel significant, but self-managed installation avoids ongoing contractor fees, and the yield gains from properly drained soil compound over time — making the investment pay for itself.

5. Decades of Proven Progress

Drainage technology has evolved from fired clay drainpipes in the mid-1800s to durable plastic tile in the 20th century to today’s laser- and GPS-guided systems. Emerging tools like drone-assisted surveying and AI-driven analytics point toward even greater precision ahead.

Bringing It Together

Laser-guided technology delivers precision, higher yields, time savings, and long-term cost-effectiveness — making it one of the smartest upgrades a farm can make to its drainage program.

Precision agriculture has changed how farmers install subsurface drainage, and laser systems and RTK GPS are the two leading guidance choices for tile plows. Here’s how to decide between them.

The Two Systems, Explained

A laser-guided system uses a transmitter and receiver setup to maintain a consistent elevation reference across the field. RTK GPS relies on satellite signals to deliver real-time, centimeter-level positioning accuracy.

Six Factors to Weigh

• Field size and shape — laser suits smaller to medium fields; RTK handles larger, irregularly shaped ground better
• Terrain and obstacles — laser needs line of sight; RTK navigates obstacles more easily
• Accuracy requirements — laser controls elevation; RTK adds unmatched lateral positioning accuracy as well
• Cost — laser systems cost less upfront; RTK carries higher equipment and subscription costs
• Ease of use — laser is straightforward; RTK takes more technical know-how
• Future expansion — laser has limited scalability; RTK integrates with other precision ag technology

Which Should You Choose?

The right system comes down to your specific field conditions, accuracy requirements, budget, and long-term goals — and it’s worth a conversation with a precision agriculture expert before you commit either way.