Trimble has announced the launch of its WM-Form land forming solution for leveling, surface drainage and irrigation. WM-Form is an end-to-end agriculture solution for field survey, topography analysis, design creation, reporting and cost estimation, land forming and verification.
Growers and earthworks contractors can use the WM-Form solution to repair underperforming areas and extend the amount of productive farmable land. It can reduce the volume and cost of earthworks and minimize disturbance to valuable topsoil. Growers can use the solution to optimize water distribution and drainage, reduce erosion and flooding by effectively directing waterflow, and create more uniform crop production which can lead to increased yield.
Growers and earthworks contractors can use the WM-Form solution from survey to verification. They can collect 3D field data using the Trimble WM-Topo survey system, or the FmX integrated or TMX-2050 displays. Users can then analyze topographic data in the WM-Form software to identify surface problems that are limiting yield potential and use the software’s flexible design tools to create a design that optimizes their field’s surface.
The software also provides reports for volume, area and constraints, providing contractors and growers with an accurate quote on the total cost of the project. Users can leverage the 3D design to conduct land forming operations using the Trimble FieldLevel II system, and then verify that the design has been accurately completed using the Trimble WM-Topo survey system.
The WM-Form software provides flexibility, allowing users to design variable-shaped fields based on existing topography, the water needs of individual crops, and individual farming practices. It allows users to:
- Drain water in any direction or to a linear feature such as a ditch or existing drainage system
- Create surface designs for furrow irrigation
- Split a field into sections and create designs for each section individually
- Generate multiple design variations for the field, then compare them in 3D view against the original topography
- Produce 2D cut/fill estimates and reports
- Interact with Connected Farm for license and acreage management
- Level fields with custom/best-fit single or multiple plane
“With the WM-Form solution, we are enabling growers and contractors to turn their fields into optimal surfaces, even in areas that were unable to be leveled before,” said David Fitzpatrick, Water Solutions business area director for Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “With more farmable land that is optimized for water management and more uniform production, growers can experience increased yield. Plus, they can conveniently use one solution with Trimble for the entire land forming process.”
Trimble is currently the only company in the industry able to provide a full farm management solution that includes surface preparation and irrigation. The WM-Form solution provides surface optimization to minimize water runoff while the Irrigate-IQ precision irrigation solution applies the right amount of water based on crop needs. The combination of the two solutions ensures that water is absorbed efficiently by the soil and utilized by the crop.
The WM-Form solution is expected to be available worldwide by the end of March 2015. For more information, visit: http://www.trimble.com/Agriculture/WM-Form.aspx.
