CNH Industrial has secured a minority stake in EarthOptics. Founded in 2018, the US-based ag tech business develops soil data measurement and mapping technology.
Using a combination of ground-based sensors, satellites, soil samples and machine learning models, the company provides a wide range of data to help boost yields and reduce fertiliser application. Products include soil mapping platforms and a system that precisely identifies the areas and depths where fields are compacted.
This latest round of funding will help to further develop sensor accuracy capabilities. A pilot testing phase of the soil sensing technology will be conducted by Case IH this year, the goal being to accelerate levels of tillage automation and provide greater agronomic insights for customers.
CNH Industrial is not alone in the latest US$27.6m round of funding in EarthOptics. Bayer, Syngenta and Elanco are also partners in the start-up as are a number of venture capital businesses.
