New Sensor Promises Faster, Cheaper Crop Tracking

New ACS-214 sensor enables fast, low-cost cover crop tracking, advancing large-scale adoption of regenerative practices across the US.

7 Aug 2025

A new sensor developed by the US Geological Survey could reduce a key obstacle to scaling regenerative agriculture by cutting the cost and time of tracking cover crops.

The device, named ACS-214, combines laser rangefinding with ultrasonic signals to record plant height and density. When paired with computer models, it produces biomass estimates without the need for destructive sampling, which typically requires cutting and weighing plants. Cover crops play a central role in preventing erosion, storing carbon and improving soil health.

Between 2020 and 2024, the ACS-214 was tested across 13 US states on 11 species, including grasses, legumes and brassicas. The results showed moderate to strong accuracy, with coefficients of determination (R² values) ranging from 0.44 to 0.76 depending on crop type and growing conditions. Accuracy was higher for grasses and legumes, while results for brassicas were less consistent, according to the researchers.

Manual sampling has long been a barrier to field-scale adoption of regenerative practices because of its labour intensity and cost. The USGS said the new tool could support broader monitoring by universities, government agencies and farmer-led networks.

"This technology brings us closer to consistent, outcomes-based monitoring in the field," said one of the study's lead researchers. "The ability to capture biomass data quickly and accurately is essential for measuring soil improvements over time."

Remaining challenges include adapting the sensor for regional variations and refining calibration for less common crops. In addition, regulatory requirements may continue to mandate occasional soil testing to ensure compliance with agricultural programmes.

The study, published on July 18, did not cite potential uses in carbon credit markets or reference corporate partnerships. But by lowering the cost of data collection and improving measurement reliability, the ACS-214 could speed the adoption of regenerative farming practices across the US.