A review of global precision land-leveling technologies and implements: Current status, challenges and future trends.

• Described the current status of land-leveling implements. • Analyzed the current status of laser-controlled leveling technology. • Analyzed the current status of GNSS-control leveling technology. • Analyzed the benefits of the application of land-leveling technology. • Discussed the challenges and future trends of land-leveling technology. Land leveling technology is necessary for land cultivation and is an important support for sustainable agricultural development. First, this paper reviews the current status of land-leveling implements, including dry-land and paddy-field leveling implements. Second, two precision land-leveling technologies, laser-controlled systems and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), are reviewed. The current status of laser-controlled leveling technology is considered in terms of its three primary components, the laser transmitter, laser receiver, and control terminal. The current status of GNSS-controlled leveling technology is also considered in terms of three aspects: three-dimensional (3D) topographical measurement of farmland, calculation of reference height and soil volume, and planning of work paths. The actual benefits of land-leveling technology applied to the production of different crops are statistically analyzed using metrics including improved land utilization, water savings, and increased yields. Finally, the challenges and future trends in land-leveling implements and technologies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]