Abstract: A stalk sensor comprising a first wand comprising a contact surface at a distal end, a first magnet disposed at a distal end of the first wand, a second wand comprising a contact surface at a distal end, and a second magnet disposed at a distal end of the second wand, the magnet configured to attract the first magnet and thereby the first wand into contact with the second wand at the contact surfaces with the second wand, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are in contact when the stalk sensor is in a home position. The stalk sensor wherein the wands are self-aligning on horizontal and vertical axes.

Abstract: The disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to agricultural planters, particularly to a two-stage closing system for a planter row unit. In some implementations, the row unit includes a soil engaging member, where the soil engaging member engages at least one sidewall of a trench and displaces soil from the sidewall to cover the seed. In further implementations, the row unit includes a sensing system for sensing sidewall compaction and/or soil moisture.