SYSTEM FOR CREATING SOIL COMPACTION MAPS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A TILLAGE IMPLEMENT

In one aspect, a system for creating a soil compaction map for a field may include a plurality of sensors, with each sensor being provided in operative association with one of the plurality of fluid-driven actuators. Each sensor may be configured to detect a force associated with its respective fluid-driven actuator as associated shanks engage the ground with movement of the tillage implement across the field. Furthermore, a controller of the system may be configured to identify one or more locations of a compaction layer within the field based on sensor data received from the plurality of sensors associated with the detected forces. Additionally, the controller may further be configured to create a soil compaction map for the field based on the identified one or more locations of the compaction layer.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to tillage implements and, more particularly, to systems for creating a soil compaction map for a field across which a tillage implement is moved and associated methods for controlling the operation of the tillage implement.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that, to attain the best agricultural performance from a field, a farmer must cultivate the soil, typically through a tillage operation. Modern farmers perform tillage operations by pulling a tillage implement behind an agricultural work vehicle, such as a tractor. Tillage implements typically include a plurality of shanks configured to penetrate the soil to a particular depth. In this respect, the ground engaging tools may be pivotally coupled to a frame of the tillage implement. Tillage implements may also include biasing elements, such as springs, configured to exert downward biasing forces on the shanks. This configuration may allow the shanks to maintain the particular depth of soil penetration as the agricultural work vehicle pulls the tillage implement through the field. Additionally, this configuration may also permit the shanks to pivot out of the way of rocks or other impediments in the soil, thereby preventing damage to the shanks or other components on the implement (e.g., the frame of the implement).

Certain portions of the field may include a compacted or otherwise compressed top layer of soil. Such a compacted soil layer may make tillage operations difficult. For example, compacted soil in certain portions of the field may exert a great enough force on the shanks to overcome the downward biasing force otherwise applied to the shanks. In this respect, the shanks may pivot relative to the implement frame such that the depth of soil penetration varies. In some instances, the soil compaction layer may be caused by factors within the control of the farmer, such as heavy vehicle traffic.

Accordingly, an improved system for mapping compaction layers within the soil and associated methods for controlling the operation of a tillage implement would be welcomed in the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for creating a soil compaction map for a field. The system may include a tillage implement having a frame and a plurality of shanks coupled to the frame. The tillage implement may further include a plurality of fluid-driven actuators, with each fluid-driven actuator being coupled between the frame and a respective one of the plurality of shanks. The system may also include a plurality of sensors, with each sensor being provided in operative association with a respective one of the plurality of fluid-driven actuators. Each sensor may be configured to detect a force associated with its respective fluid-driven actuator as the shanks engage the ground with movement of the tillage implement across the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The controller may be configured to identify one or more locations of a compaction layer within the field based on sensor data received from the plurality of sensors associated with the detected forces. Additionally, the controller may further be configured to create a soil compaction map for the field based on the identified one or more locations of the compaction layer.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for controlling the operation of a tillage implement. The tillage implement may include a frame and a plurality of shanks coupled to the frame. The tillage implement may further include a plurality of fluid-driven actuators, with each fluid-driven actuator being coupled between the frame and a respective one of the plurality of shanks. The method may include monitoring, with a computing device, a force associated with one or more of the plurality of actuators as the tillage implement is being moved across a field such that the shanks engage the ground. The method may also include comparing, with the computing device, the monitored force to a threshold force to identify one or more locations of a compaction layer within the field. Furthermore, the method may include initiating, with the computing device, a control action associated with adjusting an operational parameter of the tillage implement upon identifying one or more locations of the compaction layer within the field.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present subject matter is directed to systems for creating a soil compaction map for a field across which a tillage implement is moved. Specifically, in several embodiments, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to identify one or more locations of a compaction layer within the field based on sensor data received from a plurality of sensors, with each sensor being provided in operative association with a corresponding shank of the implement. Such sensor data may be indicative of the forces within one or more fluid-driven actuators coupled between a frame of the tillage implement and a respective shank of the implement. For instance, in one embodiment, the controller may be configured to compare the monitored force(s) to a threshold force to identify the location(s) of the compaction layer within the field. Thereafter, the controller may be configured to create a soil compaction map for the field based on the identified location(s) of the compaction layer. For example, the soil compaction map may associate the location(s) of the soil compaction layer with corresponding geographical location(s) within the field.

Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter are also directed to associated methods for controlling the operation of the tillage implement as the implement is moved across the field. More specifically, upon identifying the location(s) of the compaction layer within the field, the controller may be configured to initiate a control action associated with adjusting an operational parameter of the tillage implement. In one embodiment, such control action may be adapted to facilitate removal of the compaction layer within the field. For example, the controller may be configured to adjust the speed at which the tillage implement is moved across the field. In addition (or as an alternative thereto), the controller may be configured to adjust the penetration depth of one or more of the shanks when the monitored force(s) associated with the respective actuator(s) exceeds the threshold force.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a tillage implement10in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the implement10may be configured to be towed across a field in a direction of travel (e.g., as indicated by arrow12) by a work vehicle (not shown), such as a tractor or other agricultural work vehicle. The implement10may be coupled to the work vehicle via a hitch assembly14or using any other suitable attachment means.

The implement10may also include an implement frame16. As shown, the frame16may extend longitudinally between a forward end18and an aft end20. The frame16may also extend laterally between a first side22and a second side24. In this respect, the frame16generally includes a plurality of structural frame members26, such as beams, bars, and/or the like, configured to support or couple to a plurality of components. Additionally, a plurality of wheels28(one is shown) may be coupled to the frame16to facilitate towing the implement10in the direction of travel12.

In several embodiments, the frame16may configured to support a plurality of shanks30,32configured to rip or otherwise till the soil as the implement10is towed across the field. In this regard, the shanks30,32may be configured to engage the soil as the tillage implement10is towed across the field. As will be described below, the shanks30,32may be configured to be pivotally mounted to the frame16to allow the shanks30,32to pivot out of the way of rocks or other impediments in the soil. As shown, the shanks30,32may be spaced apart from one another laterally between the first side22and the second side24of the frame16. It should be appreciated that, although only two shanks30,32are identified inFIG. 1, the implement10may generally include any number of shanks mounted on the frame16.

In one embodiment, the frame16may be configured to support one or more gangs or sets34of disc blades36. As is generally understood, each disc blade36may, for example, include both a concave side (not shown) and a convex side (not shown). Moreover, the various gangs34of disc blades36may be oriented at an angle relative to the travel direction12to promote more effective tilling of the soil. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the implement10includes four gangs34of disc blades36, with each gang34being coupled to the frame16longitudinally forward of the shanks30,32. However, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the implement10may include any other suitable number of disc gangs34, such as more of fewer than four disc gangs34. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the disc gangs34may be mounted longitudinally aft of the shanks30,32.

Additionally, as shown inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, the frame16may be configured to support other ground engaging tools. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame16is configured to support a plurality of leveling blades38and rolling (or crumbler) basket assemblies40. However, in other embodiments, any other suitable ground-engaging tools may be coupled to and supported by the frame16, such as a plurality closing discs.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a side view of one embodiment of one of the shanks30,32of the tillage implement10described above with reference toFIG. 1is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As indicated above, the shanks30,32may be configured to till or otherwise cultivate the soil. In this regard, one end of each shank30,32may include a tip42configured to penetrate into or otherwise engage the ground as the implement10is pulled across the field. The opposed end of each shank30,32may be pivotally coupled to the implement frame16, such as at pivot point44. In one embodiment, the various shanks30,32of the implement10may be configured as rippers. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the shanks30,32may, instead, be configured as chisels, sweeps, tines, or any other suitable type of shanks. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that other shanks coupled to the frame16may have the same or a similar configuration to as the shank30,32shown inFIG. 2.

In several embodiments, the implement10may also include a fluid-driven actuator102,104coupled between the frame16and each shank30,32. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, a first actuator102may be coupled between the implement frame16and shank30, while a second actuator104may be coupled between the frame16and shank32. As particularly shown inFIG. 2, each actuator102,104may be configured to bias its corresponding shank30,32to a predetermined shank position (e.g., a home or base position) relative to the frame16. In general, the predetermined shank position may correspond to the shank position at which each shank30,32penetrates the soil to a desired depth. In several embodiments, the predetermined shank position for each shank30,32may be set by a corresponding mechanical stop46. In operation, each actuator102,104may permit relative movement between its respective shank30,32and the frame16. For example, each actuator102,104may be configured to bias its corresponding shank30,32to pivot relative to the frame16in a first pivot direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow48inFIG. 2) until its respective end50contacts the corresponding stop46. Each actuator102,104may also allow its corresponding shank30,32to pivot away from it corresponding predetermined shank position (e.g., to a shallower depth of penetration), such as in a second pivot direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow52inFIG. 2) opposite the first pivot direction48, when encountering rocks or other impediments in the field.

Furthermore, the implement10may also include a plurality of sensors106, with each sensor106being provided in operative association with a respective one of the fluid-driven actuators102,104. In general, each sensor106may be configured to detect the force associated with its respective actuator102,104as the shanks30,32are pulled through the soil. In one embodiment, a sensor106is provided in operative association with each of the actuators102,104. However, it should be appreciated that the sensors106may be provided in operative association with any of the shanks coupled to the implement frame16, such as only one of the actuators102,104or actuators coupled between other shanks and the implement frame16.

In several embodiments, each sensor106may be configured as a pressure sensor108. In general, the pressure sensor(s)108may be configured to detect or measure the pressure of a fluid supplied within the corresponding actuator(s)102,104. For example, in one embodiment, each pressure sensor108may be provided in fluid communication with a fluid chamber defined within the corresponding actuator102,104(e.g., a piston-side chamber or a rod-side chamber of the corresponding actuator102,104). Alternatively, the pressure sensor(s)108may be installed at any other suitable location(s) that allows the pressure sensor(s)108to measure the pressure of the fluid supplied within the actuators102,104, such as by installing the pressure sensor(s)108in fluid communication with a hose(s) or a conduit(s) configured to supply fluid to the actuators102,104. The pressure of the fluid supplied within the actuators102,104may, in turn, be indicative of the force exerted on the shanks30,32by the soil through which the shanks102,104are being pulled. However, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiment, the sensor(s)106may correspond to any suitable type of sensor(s) that detect the forces within one or more of actuators102,104or otherwise associated with the shanks30,32.

It should be appreciated that the configuration of the tillage implement10described above and shown inFIGS. 1 and 2is provided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present subject matter may be readily adaptable to any manner of implement configuration.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system100for creating a soil compaction map for a field is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the system100will be described herein with reference to the tillage implement10described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed system100may generally be utilized with tillage implements having any other suitable implement configuration.

As shown inFIG. 3, the system100may include one or more components of the tillage implement10described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. For example, in several embodiments, the system100may include the fluid-driven actuator(s)102,104and the associated sensors106, such as the pressure sensors108. However, it should be appreciated that the system100may include any other suitable components of the implement10, such as additional shanks and their associated actuators and sensors.

Moreover, the system100may further include a controller110configured to electronically control the operation of one or more components of the implement10. In general, the controller110may comprise any suitable processor-based device known in the art, such as a computing device or any suitable combination of computing devices. Thus, in several embodiments, the controller110may include one or more processor(s)112and associated memory device(s)114configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. As used herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s)114of the controller110may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, a computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), a computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s)114may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s)112, configure the controller110to perform various computer-implemented functions, such as one or more aspects of the method200described below with reference toFIG. 5. In addition, the controller110may also include various other suitable components, such as a communications circuit or module, one or more input/output channels, a data/control bus and/or the like.

It should be appreciated that the controller110may correspond to an existing controller of the implement10or an associated work vehicle (not shown) configured to tow the implement10or the controller110may correspond to a separate processing device. For instance, in one embodiment, the controller110may form all or part of a separate plug-in module that may be installed within the implement10or the work vehicle to allow for the disclosed system and method to be implemented without requiring additional software to be uploaded onto existing control devices of the implement10.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system100may also include a user interface116. More specifically, the user interface116may be configured to provide feedback (e.g., a soil compaction map) to the operator of the implement10. As such, the user interface116may include one or more feedback devices (not shown), such as display screens, speakers, warning lights, and/or the like, which are configured to communicate such feedback. In addition, some embodiments of the user interface116may include one or more input devices (not shown), such as touchscreens, keypads, touchpads, knobs, buttons, sliders, switches, mice, microphones, and/or the like, which are configured to receive user inputs from the operator. In one embodiment, the user interface116may be positioned within a cab of a work vehicle configured to tow the implement10. However, in alternative embodiments, the user interface116may have any suitable configuration and/or be positioned in any other suitable location.

Additionally, the system100may include a location sensor118configured to detect a parameter associated with a geographical or physical location of the implement10within the field. For example, in one embodiment, the location sensor118may correspond to a GPS receiver configured to detect the GPS coordinates of the implement10. However, it should be appreciated that the location sensor118may correspond to any other suitable type of location sensor.

In several embodiments, the controller118may be configured to receive data indicative of the forces detected in association with the actuators102,104from the sensors106. Specifically, the controller110may be communicatively coupled to the sensors106, such as the pressure sensors108, via a wired or wireless connection to allow data (e.g., indicated by dashed lines120inFIG. 3) to be transmitted from the sensors106to the controller110. For example, in one embodiment, the controller110may be configured to continuously receive the data120from the sensors106as the implement10is moved through the field.

The controller110may be configured to identify one or more locations of a soil compaction layer within the field based on the sensor data120. Specifically, in several embodiments, the controller110may be configured determine or estimate the forces exerted on each of the shanks30,32by the soil based on the data120received from the corresponding sensor106(e.g., the corresponding pressure sensor108). For instance, the controller110may include a look-up table or suitable mathematical formula stored within its memory114that correlates the sensor data118(e.g., the pressure measurements from the sensors108) to the current forces being applied to shanks30,32. Thereafter, based on the determined forces exerted on each shank102,104, the controller110may be configured to identify the location(s) of the compaction layer within the field. It should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the controller110may be configured identify the soil compaction layers directly based on the sensor data120. For example, the controller110may include a look-up table or suitable mathematical formula stored within its memory114that correlates the sensor data118(e.g., the pressure measurements from the sensors108) to the presence of a soil compaction layer.

In one embodiment, the controller110may be configured to identify location(s) of the soil compaction layer within the field by comparing the determined forces to a predetermined threshold force. For instance, the controller110may be configured to compare the values associated with the monitored forces for each actuator102,104to a predetermined threshold force defined for the actuators102,104. In the event that the monitored force(s) associated with one or more of the actuators102,104exceeds the predetermined threshold force (thereby indicating that the corresponding shank30,32is currently being pulled through a soil compaction layer), the controller110may be configured to identify the position of such shank(s)30,32within the field as a location of the soil compaction layer.

In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the controller110may further be configured to create a soil compaction map for the field based on the identified location(s) of the compaction layer. In general, the soil compaction map may provide an indication of the geographical or physical location(s) within the field in which the soil compaction layer is present. Specifically, the controller110may be communicatively coupled to the location sensor118via a wired or wireless connection to allow location data (e.g., indicated by dashed line122inFIG. 3) to be transmitted from the location sensor118to the controller110. Based on the received location data122, the controller110may be configured to monitor the geographical position of the implement10within the field. In this regard, when it is determined that one of the shanks30,32of the implement10is currently being pulled through or otherwise encountering a soil compaction layer, the controller110may be configured to associate the current location or position of the implement10or the shanks30,32within the field as one location of the soil compaction layer.

Referring now toFIG. 4, an example soil compaction map124is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, the soil compaction map124generally provides an indication (e.g., a visual indicator) of one or more locations of the soil compaction layer126,128within a field130. Based on the map124, the farmer may be able to determine why the soil compaction layers126,128are present in certain portions of the field128and choose to perform suitable corrective action(s) thereon. For example, the soil compaction layer126may be caused by heavy vehicle traffic. In such instances, the farmer may choose to redirect future traffic to minimize or eliminate the formation of such compaction layer126. The compaction layers128may be formed by ponding or water retention. In such instances, the farmer may choose perform extra tillage operations on such areas and/or use a larger tillage implement to remove such soil compaction layers128. Conversely, based on the map124, the farmer may choose to forgo tillage operations on areas of the field130that are devoid of the compaction layers126,128. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the soil compaction map124may provide an indication of the depth of the soil compaction layers126,128and/or the penetration depths of the shanks30,32at each location within the field130. Additionally, the soil compaction map124may provide an indication of the forces exerted on the shanks30,32per unit of penetration depth to assist the implement operator in determining the appropriate penetration depth and/or implement speed for future tillage operations.

Referring again toFIG. 3, in one embodiment, the controller110may be configured to initiate the display of the soil compaction map to the operator of the implement10as the implement10is moved across the field. Specifically, the controller110may be communicatively coupled to the user interface116via a wired or wireless connection to allow feedback signals (e.g., indicated by dashed line132inFIG. 3) to be transmitted from the controller110to the user interface116. Based on such feedback signals, the user interface116may be configured to display the soil compaction map to the implement operator. For example, the soil compaction map displayed by the user interface116may be continuously updated in real time as the implement10is moved across the field. It should be appreciated that as an alternative to or in addition to displaying the soil compaction map as the implement10is moving across the field, the map may be saved for future use (e.g., in the memory114) and/or transmitted to a remote device, such as a PC, tablet, Smartphone, and/or the like.

In several embodiments, upon identifying one or more locations of the compaction layer within the field, the controller110may configured to initiate one or more control actions associated with adjusting an operational parameter(s) of the implement10. For example, in such instances, the controller110may be configured to automatically control the operation of one or more components of the implement10and/or an associated work vehicle (not shown), such as the vehicle's engine or transmission, in a manner that reduces the ground speed of the implement10and/or the work vehicle (e.g., by reducing or limiting the engine power output). In general, reducing the speed at which the implement10is traveling across the field may reduce the forces exerted on the shanks30,32by the soil. In this regard, reducing the implement speed may prevent the shanks30,32from pivoting away from their predetermined shank positions (e.g., to a shallower depth of penetration), thereby facilitating removal of the entire soil compaction layer within the field.

Furthermore, in several embodiments, upon identifying one or more locations of the compaction layer within the field, the controller110may be configured to automatically adjust the down pressure exerted on the shanks30,32by the corresponding actuators102,104to maintain the desired penetration depth thereof. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 3, the controller110maybe configured to control the operation of the actuators102,104by actively controlling the operation of associated valves134,136, such as pressure regulating valves (PRVs), of the implement10, thereby allowing the controller110to actively adjust the adjust the down pressure exerted on the shanks30,32. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller110may be communicatively coupled to valves134,136to allow control signals (e.g., indicated by dashed lines138inFIG. 3) to be transmitted from the controller110to the valves134,136. In this regard, the controller110may be configured to control the operation of the valves134,136in a manner that regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the associated actuator102,104from a reservoir140of the implement10. In such an embodiment, the controller110may be configured to control the operation of the PRV134such that the fluid pressure supplied to the actuator102is increased when it is determined that the shank30is being pulled through a soil compaction layer. Increasing the fluid pressure within the actuator102may increase the down pressure on the shank30, which, in turn, may prevent or reduce the amount that the shank30pivots away from its predetermined shank position, thereby maintaining the desired penetration depth. Similarly, the controller110may be configured to control the operation of the PRV136such that the fluid pressure supplied to the actuator104is increased when it is determined that the shank32is being pulled through a soil compaction layer. Increasing the fluid pressure within the actuator104may increase the down pressure on the shank32, which, in turn, may prevent or reduce the amount that the shank32pivots away from its predetermined shank position, thereby maintaining the desired penetration depth.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the controller110may be configured to automatically adjust the penetration depths of the shanks102,104to prevent damage to the implement10. Specifically, the controller110may be configured to compare the monitored forces associated with the actuators102,104to a threshold force (e.g., the same threshold force to identify the soil compaction layer or a greater force threshold). Thereafter, in the event that the monitored forces associated with the actuators102,104exceed threshold force, the controller110may be configured to automatically adjust the penetration depths of the shanks102,104to prevent damage to the implement10. In such embodiment, the pressure of the fluid supplied from the valve134may be directly proportional to the amount of extension/retraction of the actuator102, thereby allowing the controller110to control the displacement of the actuator102and, in turn, the penetration depth of the shank102. Similarly, the pressure of the fluid supplied from the valve136may be directly proportional to the amount of extension/retraction of the actuator104, thereby allowing the controller110to control the displacement of the actuator104and, in turn, the penetration depth of the shank104. In the event that the penetration depths of the shanks30,32are reduced, the controller110may be configured identify the location(s) within the field at which such shank penetration depth reduction(s) occurred (e.g., on the soil compaction map). In this regard, the operator may choose to till such areas a second to time to achieve the desired penetration as partially tilled soil generally exerts less forces on the shanks30,32. As an alternative, the controller110may automatically control the operation of the associated work vehicle such that the areas of the field where such shank penetration depth reduction(s) occurred are tilled a second time to ensure desired tillage depth is reached.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the controller110may be configured to selectively the operation of each actuator102,104based on whether its respective shank30,32is currently positioned within a soil compaction layer. More specifically, in certain instances, it may be determined that one of the shanks30,32is being pulled through a soil compaction layer, while the other shank30,32is not. That is, the soil compaction layer may extend across only a portion of the lateral width of the implement10. In such instances, the controller110may be configured to transmit control signals138to the valve134,136corresponding to the shank30,32positioned within the soil compaction layer instructing such valve134,136to adjust the down pressure exerted on or the penetration depth of its respective shank30,32as described above. Furthermore, the controller138may be configured to maintain the down pressure exerted on or the penetration depth of the other shank30,32, which is not positioned within the soil compaction layer.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method200for controlling the operation of a tillage implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method200will be described herein with reference to the tillage implement10and the system100described above with reference toFIGS. 1-4. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method200may generally be utilized to control the operation of any tillage implement having any suitable implement configuration and/or system having any other suitable system configuration. In addition, althoughFIG. 5depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 5, at (202), the method200may include monitoring, with a computing device, a force associated with one or more of the plurality of actuators as the tillage implement is being moved across a field such that the shanks engage the ground. For instance, as described above, the controller110may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors106, such as one or more pressure sensor108, configured to capture data120indicative of the forces associated with the actuator102,104provided in operative association with each shank30,32of the implement10, thereby providing an indication of the force being applied through each shank30,32. As such, data120transmitted from the sensors106may be received by the controller110and subsequently analyzed and/or processed to determine the forces associated with the various shanks30,32of the implement10as the shanks30,32are being pulled through the ground.

Additionally, at (204), the method200may include comparing, with the computing device, the monitored force to a threshold force to identify one or more locations of a compaction layer within the field. For instance, as described above, the controller110may be configured to compare the monitored forces to a predetermined threshold force value. Assuming the monitored force(s) has exceeded the force threshold, the controller110may identify the portion(s) of the field at which the implement10is positioned as a location of a soil compaction layer.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 5, at (206), the method200may include initiating, with the computing device, a control action associated with adjusting an operational parameter of the tillage implement upon identifying one or more locations of the compaction layer within the field. As described above, such control actions may include controlling one or more components of the implement10and/or the associated work vehicle (not shown). For instance, as indicated above, the controller110may be configured to automatically initiate a control action that results in the ground speed of the implement10and/or the work vehicle being reduced, such as by automatically controlling the operation of the vehicle's engine and/or transmission. Moreover, as described above with reference toFIG. 3, the controller110may also be configured to actively regulate the pressure of the fluid supplied within the associated actuators102,104(e.g., by electronically controlling the associated PRVs134,136) to adjust the down pressure applied to and/or the penetration depths of the shanks30,32.