Automated Soil Sampler Cuts Labor

Automated Soil Sampler Cuts Labor Radicle Agronomics, a Precision Planting company, is preparing to beta-test a new automated soil-sampling system designed to make collecting representative samples faster, easier and less physically demanding. The GeoKnife was developed entirely in-house and is designed to streamline one of the most labor-intensive tasks in agronomy. “It’s a product of years of innovation and meant to match the goals of taking a representative and quality soil sample,” says Eli Sooneker, Radicle Agronomics’ Product Support Lead. “It’s made to save time, be more efficient, save people’s backs, and eliminate manual sampling.” Currently designed to fit John Deere 835-series Gators, the GeoKnife will expand to other side-by-side UTVs in the future thanks to the company’s mounting system, which uses a 2-in. hitch receiver and custom frame brackets. The unit measures 50 in. wide, 43 in. high, and 27 in. deep, weighs approximately 200 lbs, and is powered by a generator mounted in the UTV bed. A minimum 7,500-watt inverter generator with a 30-amp, 240-volt output is required. The heart of the machine is a custom-built cutting-and-collection system. “It looks a lot like a chainsaw bar, but it’s not an off-the-shelf part,” Sooneker says. “We wanted something proficient at excavating the soil, scooping it up, and then throwing it into the collection cup.” To collect a sample, the operator positions the machine, starts the process with a push of a button, and the cutting assembly automatically lowers into the ground. The chain excavates a trench, captures a full cross-section of the soil profile, and deposits the material into a collection cup. Sampling depth can be adjusted up to 12 in. Each 30 to 40-second cycle produces roughly 6 to 8 cups of soil, representing about 40 cores, significantly more than could typically be collected manually in the same amount of time. Manufacturing is expected to begin in Morton and Tremont, Ill., with beta units entering the field this fall to assess how well the units handle residue and rocks. A broader market release is planned for fall 2027. “We’re still working out the marketing details, but the plan is to offer the GeoKnife as a sampling service through the Radicle Lab locations, loaning them out to growers and agronomists,” Sooneker says. “We want the cost to be in line with other comparable samplers.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Radicle Agronomics, Precision Planting, 23207 Townline Rd., Tremont, Ill. 61568 (ph 309-925-5050; info@radicle.ag; www.radicle.ag).

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