An adaptive control system for a machine implement is provided. The adaptive control system includes a machine implement of a machine and an adaptive controller operatively coupled to the machine implement. The adaptive controller includes a processor configured to receive a position of the machine implement relative to a terrain from at least one position detection system, receive data regarding operating conditions of the terrain, compare the position with a target position stored in a memory, compare the data regarding the operating conditions with data stored in a reference model of the terrain stored in the memory, and adjust the position of the machine implement based upon the comparisons and based upon an updated reference model of the operating conditions of the terrain.