Guest blog by Josh Jeske, Founder - Terraform Tillage

Terraform Tillage is an agricultural technology company specializing in precision soil compaction analysis. Our innovative SmartProbe System helps farmers and land managers pinpoint exactly where—and how deeply—soil compaction exists, helping them make informed decisions about tillage that enhance productivity and sustainability.

We partnered with Peoples Company because of their forward-thinking approach to land management. Peoples Company’s platform uniquely balances long-term asset appreciation with environmental stewardship. I was introduced to Kyle Walker, Director of Land Management at Peoples Company, during the 2024 Land Investment Expo. Kyle extended an incredible opportunity to launch this soil compaction project, offering support that has been instrumental in helping me grow as a young entrepreneur in the ag tech industry.

Through our collaboration, we delivered high-resolution compaction data that allowed Peoples Company to:

• Strategically implementing tillage only where needed

• Improve yields and input efficiency

• Enhance long-term soil health 

Below, we highlight two compelling outcomes from this partnership:

1. Targeted compaction remediation that resulted in measurable yield improvements

2. Avoided unnecessary tillage leading to substantial cost savings and preserved soil structure

Example 1: The Best ROI from Fixing Compaction
One of the surveyed fields in central Iowa showed severe compaction issues that were limiting root growth and water infiltration. After conducting a soil compaction analysis with the SmartProbe System, we recommended targeted zone tillage to alleviate the problem.

Total Acres: 32
Acres Subsoiled: 3.27 acres

Estimated Yield Increase: 40 additional corn bushels per acre after fixing compacted zones
Revenue Increase: $556 gained from improved yields at $4.25 per bushel
Cost of Compaction Mapping Service: $160 (32 Acres * $5 per acre)
Cost of Subsoiling: $79 (3.27 Acres * $24.15 per acre)
*ISU Custom rate for Subsoiling - $24.15 per acre
Total ROI ($556 / 239) = 2.3:1
$317 in net profits after subsoiling costs

Maximizing Returns with Precision Tillage
In one field with notable compaction, precision tillage based on SmartProbe data resulted in substantial yield improvements and financial returns. Kyle Walker noted, “By using the latest technology to measure soil compaction, I was able to focus tillage on the areas of need versus the traditional blanket approach. This saved my client money from unneeded tillage and is more conservation focused.”

This strategic approach to soil management demonstrates clear profitability and sustainability advantages, reinforcing the importance of precise, data-driven decisions in modern agriculture.

Example 2: A Near-Perfect Field, No Tillage Needed
On the other end of the spectrum was a farm with very minimal compactions, making tillage unnecessary. Thanks to previous conservation efforts - like cover crops and controlled traffic - the soil structure remained healthy and well-preserved, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention.

Acres Avoiding Tillage: 70 acres
Cost Savings from Avoiding Unnecessary Tillage: $1,690
*ISU Custom rate for Subsoiling - $24.15 per acre
Survey Cost: $350 (70 Acres * $5 per acre)
Total First Year Reduction in Net Expenses: $1,340

By leveraging soil health practices, this farm will save thousands in unnecessary tillage costs over the next few years. Reduced tillage not only cuts fuel use, equipment wear, and labor expenses but also enhances soil structure, reduces erosion, and promotes overall sustainability.

Unlike traditional blanket tillage methods, SmartProbe technology delivers precise, site-specific compaction data, enabling farmers to pinpoint exactly where and how deep tillage is truly needed. This targeted approach minimizes unnecessary soil disturbance, enhances overall soil health, and supports greater long-term productivity.

The Takeaway: Smarter Tillage, Bigger Profits
The Peoples Company project reinforced a key lesson: understanding soil compaction is essential to maximizing farm profitability. Whether addressing compacted soils for yield gains or avoiding tillage where it's not needed, the SmartProbe System provides real-world ROI that translates into better farming decisions and increased profits.

Interested in optimizing your fields with the SmartProbe system? Visit TerraformTillage.com to learn more or contact us directly to discuss a customized soil compaction analysis tailored to your operation’s specific needs.