System for analyzing volatile organic compounds in soil

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (18) for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil, comprising a device (2) and a soil VOC sensor strip (20) wherein the device (2) comprises a sampling chamber (4) for receiving soil, a sensor strip hole (8) in the sampling chamber (4) for positioning the sensor strip (20) in fluid communication with the sampling chamber (4), a power source and a resistance detector, the sensor strip (20) comprises a flexible substrate (22) having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors (24) arranged on the first surface, where each of the semiconductor polymer sensors (24) comprises a pair of electrodes, where the pair of electrodes comprises a first electrode (26) and a second electrode (30), wherein a semiconducting polymer (30) is disposed between the first electrode (26) and the second electrode (30), and wherein a sensor strip (20) is electrically connectable to the power source and the resistance detector.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of application number 202080082492.7, filing date October 26, 2020, and titled “Analysis System for Volatile Organic Compounds in Soil”.

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soil and / or gases emitted from soil, and a method for analyzing soil. Background Art

[0004] It is known that an important part of optimizing crops grown in soil is to ensure the health and fertility of the soil. Current soil analysis tools require samples to be sent to a testing center and the results are returned within a few days. This delay means that users (such as farmers) are not able to quickly analyze the health of their soil.

[0005] It is known that crop rotation can increase crop yields. In addition, it is known to treat land to increase soil fertility, such as by providing fertilizers, biomass, fungicides, fungi, bactericides and bacteria.

[0006] It is known to analyse carbon dioxide emissions from soil; however, this does not indicate the type of microorganisms present in the soil, only the extent of anaerobic respiration.

[0007] Soil microorganisms produce a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The composition of VOC emissions can provide general information about the structure of soil microbial communities.

[0008] It is known to use electronic noses to evaluate VOCs from various compositions. Current reliable "electronic noses" typically use impedance spectroscopy to analyze VOCs. This typically requires a three-terminal structure with a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode. Impedance is measured across a frequency band. However, impedance spectroscopy requires mathematical modeling to analyze the curve.

[0009] WO95 / 32422 discloses a sensor comprising a plurality of circuit elements sensitive to different substances, a circuit comprising said elements and a circuit in said circuit responsive to the conditions of said circuit elements and connected to an output device, said circuit being adapted to actuate the output device in response to one or more combinations of the conditions of the circuit elements. The device is used to detect gases produced by microbial activity to detect certain pathological conditions (such as necrosis or infection in wounds), or for fermentation monitoring in the brewing industry. The output device may include two state indicators (on or off) to show that one or more of the plurality of gases has been detected, but not precisely what has been detected.

[0010] WO95 / 25268 discloses a test container for analyzing a sample, which is placed in a first compartment that can be purged with a gas before taking a measurement to ensure that the atmosphere in the room has a known composition. The sample can be a liquid such as a perfume or a beverage or a solid such as a food. A sensor capable of detecting a gas, vapor or other volatile substance (e.g., using a semiconductor polymer and a pair of electrical contacts) is placed in a second compartment that can be purged independently, and means for establishing communication between the compartments are provided.

[0011] There is a need for an efficient way to analyze VOCs in soil. There is a need for a handheld device that allows a user to quickly obtain an analysis of soil health. There is a need for a cost-effective sensor strip. There is a need for a simple method of analyzing soil health. There is a need for a battery-powered analysis device that allows soil to be analyzed in the field without the need to collect samples to a separate analysis area. There is a need for a method to increase crop yields. There is a need for real-time recommendations on how to improve soil health. There is a need for a low-power device for analyzing soil. There is a need for a simple way to analyze data from sensors. There is a need for a device with minimal parts.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soil, comprising a device and a soil VOC sensor strip,

[0014] wherein the apparatus comprises a sampling chamber for receiving soil, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber for positioning a sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, a power source, and a resistance detector,

[0015] wherein the sensor strip comprises a flexible substrate having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface, wherein each semiconductor polymer sensor comprises an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and

[0016] wherein the sensor strip may be electrically connected to a power source and a resistance detector;

[0017] Wherein, the system further comprises a display and / or a data storage, wherein the resistance detector transmits an output to the display and / or the data storage, and the output is sent for comparison with a known data set, and the comparison output is displayed on the display and / or stored in the data storage.

[0018] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strip comprising a flexible substrate having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface,

[0019] Each semiconductor polymer sensor includes an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0020] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strip, comprising:

[0021] i. providing a flexible substrate having a first surface;

[0022] ii. Provide conductive ink;

[0023] iii. Provide a variety of semiconductor polymer inks;

[0024] iv. printing a conductive ink onto the first surface to form a plurality of pairs of electrodes using the conductive ink, wherein one or each pair of electrodes in the plurality of pairs of electrodes comprises a first electrode and a second electrode,

[0025] v. printing each semiconducting polymer ink onto the first surface,

[0026] Each semiconductor polymer ink is disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode of one of the plurality of pairs of electrodes.

[0027] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for analyzing soil, comprising:

[0028] a) providing a device, wherein the device comprises a sampling chamber, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber, a power supply and a resistance detector; a display and / or a data storage;

[0029] b) Provide soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strips,

[0030] wherein the sensor strip comprises a flexible substrate having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface,

[0031] wherein each semiconductor polymer sensor comprises an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode;

[0032] c) provide soil samples,

[0033] d) positioning a sensor strip over the sensor strip well, wherein one or each semiconductor polymer sensor is in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, wherein each pair of electrodes is electrically connected to a power source and a resistance detector,

[0034] e) positioning the soil sample in the sampling chamber,

[0035] f) activating a power source to provide power to the sensor strip, and

[0036] The resistance of one or each of the semiconductor polymer sensors is detected using a resistance detector to give an output.

[0037] g) wherein the resistance detector transmits an output to a display and / or data storage and sends the output for comparison with a known data set and the comparison output is displayed on the display and / or stored on the data storage.

[0038] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving soil conditions, comprising performing the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, and

[0039] h) providing soil care recommendations based on step g), and taking action based on the soil care recommendations.

[0040] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in a method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the apparatus comprises a sampling chamber for receiving soil, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber for positioning a sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, a power source and a resistance detector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 The apparatus of the invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 A system of the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 A sensor strip of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 An enlarged semiconducting polymer sensor of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 5 A cross section of a semiconducting polymer sensor of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 A cross section of a soil volatile organic compound (VOC) impedance spectroscopy sensor strip is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 An embodiment of the device of the invention having a cartridge chamber is shown, and Figure 8 Shown is the installation Figure 7 The box housing in the device.

[0048] Fig. 9 A first sample sensor response is shown.

[0049] Fig.10 A second sample sensor response is shown.

[0050] Detailed description of the implementation method

[0051] The present invention relates to a system for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soil, the system comprising a device and a soil VOC sensor strip,

[0052] wherein the apparatus comprises a sampling chamber for receiving soil, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber for positioning a sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, a power source, and a resistance detector,

[0053] wherein the sensor strip comprises a flexible substrate having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface, wherein each semiconductor polymer sensor comprises an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and

[0054] wherein the sensor strip may be electrically connected to a power source and a resistance detector,

[0055] Wherein, the system further comprises a display and / or a data storage, wherein the resistance detector transmits an output to the display and / or the data storage, and the output is sent for comparison with a known data set, and the comparison output is displayed on the display and / or stored in the data storage.

[0056] The system of the present invention provides an effective way to analyze VOCs in soil and / or gases emitted from soil. Since the substrate is a flexible substrate, the sensor strips are efficiently manufactured and at low cost. These are much lower than the cost of manufacturing silicon substrates such as those used in the art. Another advantage is that the system has a two-terminal electrode setup and measures resistance. This does not require a mathematical model to analyze resistance, unlike the more complex analysis methods used in impedance spectroscopy, which means that the data of the present invention is less expensive to analyze computationally because it does not require a mathematical model. Specifically, the resistance data can be fed directly into the machine learning algorithm, while the impedance data needs to be fitted into the mathematical model first and then fed into the machine learning algorithm. This additional step of fitting the impedance data to the mathematical model requires more complex electronics and more computing power than is required using resistance data. In addition, there is no risk that the mathematical model is incorrect when the resistance is measured. In addition, costs are reduced by requiring only two electrodes because this is more efficiently manufactured than a three-terminal electrode setup. Specifically, the two electrodes can be printed at the same stage of the printing process. The three-terminal electrode structure requires higher precision when printing because the entire structure needs to be printed using several printing stages and it cannot be printed in one position. Because the flexible substrate passes through different printing stages, this increases the length of the production line. In addition, in a three-terminal structure, it is important that the gate electrode does not overlap with the other electrodes, which makes alignment more difficult. In addition, requiring only two-terminal electrodes reduces the thickness of the sensor and the amount of conductive material (such as metal used to make the electrodes), and reduces the number of layers in the sensor. Another advantage of the two-terminal structure is that fewer terminals are used; therefore, reliability is higher, production costs are lower, and complexity is lower than a three-terminal structure. The equipment in the system has fewer components. In addition, the use of a resistance detector reduces the required voltage level compared to an impedance spectrum that requires high voltage to perform analysis. Lower voltages make it easier to provide battery-powered devices, and in particular it simplifies the electronics. In addition, by comparing the output with a known data set, the user is provided with information about the current condition of the soil. The comparative output is preferably a suggestion on how to improve the soil.

[0057] Preferably, the system of the present invention does not use impedance spectroscopy.

[0058] Preferably, fluid communication means that a fluid can move from the sampling chamber to the sensor strip, preferably a gas (such as a VOC) can move from the sampling chamber to the sensor strip.

[0059] It should be understood that the system for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soil of the present invention includes a soil VOC sensor strip, which is also or alternatively suitable for analyzing gases emitted from soil. The soil VOC sensor strip of the present invention is also suitable for sensing gases emitted from soil.

[0060] Preferably, the power source is a battery. This allows the system to be used at any location, and in particular, it allows the system to be used in the field so that the analysis can be performed where the soil sample is collected. This allows the user to obtain the results at a predetermined location, and they do not need to collect and mark the soil sample for later analysis.

[0061] Preferably, the battery is rechargeable. This is more environmentally friendly than disposable batteries.

[0062] Preferably, the battery is solar powered. This gives the user greater flexibility in performing experiments without the need to connect the battery to another power source to recharge it or replace the battery.

[0063] Preferably, the device includes a GPS locator. This allows easy recording of the location where the sample was collected.

[0064] Preferably, the device further comprises a housing. Preferably, the housing comprises the sampling chamber. Preferably, the housing further comprises a resistance detector and / or a power supply. Preferably, the housing further comprises a resistance detector and a power supply. Preferably, the housing is waterproof. The housing is a suitable way of holding the device together so that it can be transported. Furthermore, the housing protects components of the device from factors such as rain. In particular, it is advantageous to protect electronic components such as the power supply and the resistance detector from water.

[0065] Preferably, the display and / or data storage can be connected to the resistance detector via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a mobile wireless communication system, a cable or a direct electrical connection (preferably via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a mobile wireless communication system, preferably via Bluetooth). This allows the output to be displayed or stored.

[0066] Preferably, the display and / or the data storage device is a personal electronic device (PED), preferably the PED is a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a laptop or a notebook computer, preferably a smartphone. This is particularly useful if the PED is handheld.

[0067] Preferably, the resistance detector is any detector that measures an output so that the resistance of the semiconducting polymer can be measured or calculated. The resistance detector can measure current and voltage, thereby enabling the resistance to be calculated. The resistance detector is preferably an ohmmeter. Preferably, impedance is not measured and / or analyzed.

[0068] Preferably, the sampling chamber has an open position and a closed position. This allows a soil sample to be added to the sampling chamber and then allows the soil sample to be held in the closed position for analysis. Preferably, the closed position means that the only substantial opening in the sampling chamber is the sensor strip aperture. This allows VOCs to be contained in the sampling chamber and analyzed through the sensor strip aperture.

[0069] Preferably, the sampling chamber is a drawer and the drawer is movable from an open position to a closed position. This is a convenient way to introduce a soil sample for analysis.

[0070] Preferably, the device further comprises a switch, wherein actuating the switch switches the power supply on or wakes the power supply from a sleep mode. This allows a user to control when soil analysis begins. The switch may be actuated by a user (such as by physically pressing the switch), or electronically activated (such as via a display connectable to the device).

[0071] Preferably, the switch is a micro switch. This is a reliable way to activate the power supply.

[0072] Preferably, the switch is actuated when the sampling chamber is in the closed position. This allows testing to begin once the soil sample is in place.

[0073] Preferably, the switch is actuated when the drawer is moved to the closed position. Preferably, the switch comprises a magnet and a magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor switches the power supply on or wakes the power supply from a sleep mode. This provides a convenient way to start the analysis.

[0074] Preferably, after a predetermined period of time, the power supply is turned off. This allows the analysis to be performed at the desired period of time. This reduces power usage so that voltage is only applied to the sensor strip when required.

[0075] Preferably, the power supply is automatically turned off or placed into a sleep mode after a predetermined period of time (preferably when measurements are complete). This reduces the input required from the user and helps produce a consistent output for later analysis.

[0076] Preferably, the predetermined time period is at least about 30 seconds, preferably about 30 seconds to about 60 minutes, preferably about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes, preferably about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, preferably about 1 minute to about 10 minutes, preferably about 2 minutes to about 8 minutes, preferably about 3 minutes to about 6 minutes. Although the analysis can be performed for a long period of time, it is preferred that the user obtains rapid feedback, such as within a few minutes, such as less than 10 minutes. This is particularly advantageous because the user is given advice about the soil in a timely manner.

[0077] Preferably, the device further comprises a sensor bar fixture. Preferably, the sensor bar fixture is attached to the housing. Preferably, the sensor bar fixture is pivotally attached to the housing. Preferably, wherein the sensor bar fixture is a lever that can be moved from an open position to a closed position. Advantageously, the sensor bar can be held in place. Typically, the system will be used outside (such as in the field) where it will be exposed to the elements such as wind. Advantageously, the sensor bar is held in place so that it does not substantially move or blow away. The purpose of this is to ensure that each of the first electrode and the second electrode is connected to the appropriate electrical connection within the device.

[0078] Preferably, the device further comprises sensor bar positioning means. Preferably, the positioning means is a recess in the device, the recess being sized and shaped to receive the sensor bar. This has the advantage of ensuring that each of the first electrode and the second electrode is connected to an appropriate electrical connection within the device.

[0079] Preferably, the device further comprises a sensor bar position detector. This allows the device to check whether the sensor bar has been correctly positioned and the or each of the first and second electrodes has been electrically connected to the resistance detector. Preferably, this is achieved by a micro switch, a magnetic switch, an optical sensor, a circuit formed when the sensor bar is in place or a short circuit formed when the sensor bar is in place, or any combination of two or more thereof (preferably a circuit or a short circuit formed when the sensor bar is in place).

[0080] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a heater for heating the sampling chamber.

[0081] Preferably, the device further comprises a sensor bar storage device; preferably, wherein the sensor bar storage device is substantially sealed; and / or wherein the sensor bar storage device is a cartridge.

[0082] Preferably, the device also includes at least one moving mechanism for automatically replacing and / or positioning a sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber; preferably, the moving mechanism includes at least two rollers for moving the sensor strip between them and across the sampling chamber; optionally, the moving mechanism includes a stepper motor and / or a sensor strip positioning device.

[0083] Automatic replacement of the sensor protects the sensor from contamination prior to use or during replacement and thus reduces the need to use disposable plastic packaging for each sensor. In addition, automatic replacement and safe storage of the sensor reduces the complexity of the device for the user to reduce any possible errors introduced by incorrect insertion of the sensor into the device.

[0084] Preferably, the sensor strip storage device is sealed to contain at least one gas to prevent the ingress of air, moisture or contaminants.

[0085] Preferably, the device is a handheld device. This means that it is easy for the user to transport and carry the device to the desired location of use. It is particularly advantageous that the device can be used in any location, and in particular outside (such as in the wild).

[0086] Preferably, the sampling chamber has a maximum volume of about 10 cm 3 To approximately 300cm 3 within a range of about 50 cm 3 To approximately 200cm 3 within a range of about 70 cm 3 To approximately 150cm 3 The maximum capacity is preferably the volume of soil that can be placed in the sampling chamber in the open position, which allows the sampling chamber to be moved to the closed position. In practice, the user does not need to completely fill the sampling chamber, but rather wishes to include as much soil as will fit in the sampling chamber to maximize the VOC level.

[0087] Preferably, when the sampling chamber is filled to maximum capacity, the distance between the level of the soil and the sensor strips is in the range of about 0.5 cm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of about 1 cm to about 3 cm. Preferably, there is some space between the level of the soil and the sensor strips to allow the VOCs to reach each semiconducting polymer. Preferably, there is not too much space as this will dilute the concentration of the VOCs and increase the measurement time.

[0088] Preferably, the soil does not come into contact with the sensor strip. This reduces contamination of the semiconducting polymer sensor and ensures that the maximum surface area of ​​the sensor is available to VOCs.

[0089] Preferably, the semiconductor polymer sensor is positioned relative to the soil sample so that VOCs can reach the sensor in sufficient quantities within a reasonable time. Preferably, when the sampling chamber is filled to maximum capacity and when the sampling chamber is in the closed position, the head space has a volume of about 3 cm. 3 To about 50cm 3 The volume within the range is preferably about 10 cm 3 To about 30cm 3 The headspace is the volume of space in the sampling chamber that is above the soil level. Such a volume is suitable to allow VOCs to be emitted by the soil while keeping the concentration high enough to be read.

[0090] Preferably, the sensor strip hole is positioned substantially above the soil sample. Preferably, the sensor strip is positioned with its first surface facing substantially downwards towards the soil sample. This allows the VOCs to rise and come into contact with the semiconducting polymer sensor.

[0091] Preferably, one or each of the pair of electrodes is in the form of an interdigitated finger or concentric spiral, preferably in the form of an interdigitated finger. Such an arrangement reduces the area covered by the electrodes and allows efficient use of space. The interdigitated finger form is particularly preferred because these can be easily printed. In particular, the interdigitated fingers preferably have substantially vertical turns between subsequent fingers, and the fingers are substantially straight. This makes them easier to print.

[0092] Preferably, one or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes has a sheet resistivity of less than about 30 ohms / square, preferably less than about 20 ohms / square.

[0093] Preferably, one or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes comprises a metal, a metal oxide, a conductive polymer, graphene or carbon, preferably silver, gold, copper, zinc, carbon, graphene nanosheets, indium tin oxide, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene or a derivative thereof or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene or a derivative thereof, or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver, gold, copper, zinc or carbon, preferably silver, gold, copper or zinc or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver, gold or copper or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver and / or gold, preferably silver. Silver, gold and copper are particularly suitable for printing. Silver is preferred for ease of use and reduced cost.

[0094] Preferably, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of one or each of a pair of electrodes is in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm, preferably in the range of about 1 μm to about 30 μm, preferably in the range of about 4 μm to about 20 μm, preferably in the range of about 5 μm to about 15 μm. These distances are suitable for detecting resistance in the present invention. Small distances are particularly preferred because they increase the sensitivity of the system.

[0095] Preferably, one or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes is printed, preferably flexographic printing, gravure printing, offset printing, screen printing or digital printing, preferably flexographic printing or gravure printing, most preferably flexographic printing. This allows the sensor to be consistently reproduced in a high-throughput manner. A different printing mechanism may be used for each first electrode and each second electrode, however for an efficient manufacturing method, preferably each electrode is printed using the same printing method.

[0096] Preferably, the length of one or each of the first electrode and / or one or each of the second electrode is in the range of about 1 cm to about 50 cm, preferably in the range of about 2 cm to about 30 cm, preferably in the range of about 3 cm to about 20 cm, preferably in the range of about 5 cm to about 15 cm. Such a length is suitable for use in the present invention. This balances the desire for long electrodes with the desire for these long electrodes to occupy minimal space. It should be understood that the length of the electrode is the resistance length (i.e., the length of the electrode if the electrodes are arranged as a single substantially straight line).

[0097] Preferably, the width and thickness of one or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes are each independently in the range of about 3 nm to about 1.5 μm, preferably in the range of about 5 nm to about 1 μm, preferably in the range of about 10 nm to about 0.5 μm, preferably in the range of about 100 nm to about 300 nm. Such width and thickness are suitable to allow the measurement of resistance.

[0098] Preferably, each semiconductor polymer sensor does not include a third electrode, and in particular, each semiconductor polymer sensor does not include a gate electrode. Preferably, each semiconductor polymer sensor does not have a field effect transistor.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, each semiconductor polymer sensor comprises three electrodes. Because of the presence of the third electrode, this can increase the sensitivity of the sensor, and in particular the gate electrode reduces the resistance of the sensor. In this embodiment, the resistance is measured, and the impedance is not measured.

[0100] Preferably, one or each of the semiconducting polymers is an organic semiconducting polymer, preferably a conjugated polymer, preferably a doped conjugated polymer. Preferably, one or each of the semiconducting polymers comprises an organic conjugated polymer having side chains, wherein the side chains may be conjugated or non-conjugated. Preferably, the side chains comprise carbon atoms and optional heteroatoms, such as oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur, or a combination of two or more thereof. Such semiconducting polymers are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

[0101] Preferably, one or each of the semiconducting polymers has a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 500,000. Such molecular weights are easily printable.

[0102] Preferably, at least two of the semiconducting polymers comprise different semiconducting polymers, preferably wherein each of the semiconducting polymers comprises a different semiconducting polymer. Advantageously, the semiconducting polymers are different so that they have different responses to VOCs. This allows multiple fingerprints to be produced for analysis.

[0103] Preferably, one or each semiconducting polymer has a thickness of about 1 nm to about 100 μm, preferably about 1 nm to about 1 μm, preferably about 2 nm to about 100 nm, preferably about 3 nm to about 50 nm, preferably about 10 nm to about 30 nm. Such thickness is sufficient for the present invention.

[0104] Preferably, one or each semiconducting polymer is printed, preferably digitally, flexographically, gravure, screen or offset printed, preferably digitally, preferably ink printed. This allows the sensor to be consistently reproduced in a high throughput manner. Preferably, for process efficiency, each semiconducting polymer is printed in the same manner. However, different printing techniques may be used for different semiconducting polymers.

[0105] Suitable semiconducting polymer inks useful in the present invention are commercially available, such as from Sigma Aldridge or Ossila. Preferably, the semiconductor polymer ink comprises F8BT-poly(9,9-dioctyl polyfluorene-benzothiadiazole alternating copolymer), F8T2-poly(9,9-dioctyl polyfluorene-bithiophene alternating copolymer), PBDD4T-2F-poly[[5,7-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4,8-dioxo-4H,8H-benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c']bithiophene-1,3-diyl][3,3"'-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3",4'-difluoro[2,2':5',2":5",2"'-quaterthiophene]-5,5"'-diyl]], PDBPyBT-poly(2,5-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-3,6-di(pyridin-2-yl)-pyrrolo[3,4-c ] pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione-2 alternating copolymer, 2'-bithiophene), PNDI(2HD)2T-poly{[N,N'-bis(2-hexyldecyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-5 alternating copolymer, 5'-(2,2'-bithiophene)}, PTB7-poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']bithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]], or polyTPD-poly[N,N'-bis(4-butylphenyl)-N,N'-bisphenylbenzidine], or any combination of two or more thereof.

[0106] Preferably, at least one of the semiconducting polymers is doped. This provides an efficient way of adjusting the properties of the semiconducting polymer. This has the advantage that one ink can be purchased and then the properties altered by adding one or more dopants to the ink, preferably in an amount of about 0.01 wt% to about 25 wt%, preferably 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%. The doped polymer semiconducting ink is considered to be different from the original polymer semiconducting ink. If a different dopant is used, this will also be a different polymer semiconducting ink.

[0107] Dopants useful for modifying the properties of semiconducting polymers useful in the present invention can be purchased from sources such as Sigma Aldridge or Ossila. Preferably, the dopant comprises tris(2-methoxyethoxy)(vinyl)silane, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, 9,10-bis[N,N-di-(p-tolyl)-amino]anthracene, 4,4'-bis(2,2-diphenylvinyl)biphenyl, 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, N,N'-dimethylquinacridone, 4,4'-bis(2,2-diphenylvinyl)biphenyl, lithium-8-hydroxyquinolinate or tris(2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridinium)cobalt(III)tris[hexafluorophosphate] or any combination of two or more thereof.

[0108] Preferably, at least one of the semiconductor polymer sensors can indicate the presence of alcohols, aldehydes, arsenides, ketones, benzene rings, carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, hydrocarbons, terpenes, olefins, thiofurans, alkynes, bromides, nitriles, chlorides, pyrazines and sulfides, or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably esters, aldehydes, aldehyde derivatives, tertiary alcohols or terpenes, or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably propionic and butyric acids, furfural, 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, (+ / -)-geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol, terpenes, β-caryophyllene, isopropanol, acetone, toluene, or any combination of two or more thereof. Preferably, the semiconductor polymer is selected to indicate a response to different VOCs so that a set of outputs can provide recommendations based on many VOCs.

[0109] Preferably, at least one of the semiconductor polymer sensors can indicate the presence of (+ / -)-Geosmin and / or 2-methylisoborneol. Preferably, at least one semiconductor polymer sensor can indicate the presence of actinomycetes, preferably by detecting the presence of (+ / -)-Geosmin and / or 2-methylisoborneol.

[0110] Preferably, at least one semiconducting polymer sensor can indicate the presence of an olefin, a ketone, a pyrazine or a terpene or any combination of two or more thereof. Preferably, at least one semiconducting polymer sensor can indicate the presence of bacteria, preferably by detecting the presence of an olefin, a ketone, a pyrazine or a terpene or any combination of two or more thereof.

[0111] Preferably, at least one of the semiconducting polymer sensors can indicate the presence of benzene rings, aldehydes, arsenides, chlorides, nitriles, thiofurans, alkynes or bromides, or any combination of two or more thereof. Preferably, at least one of the semiconducting polymer sensors can indicate the presence of fungi, preferably by detecting the presence of benzene rings, aldehydes, arsenides, chlorides, nitriles, thiofurans or bromides, or any combination of two or more thereof.

[0112] Preferably, the substrate is planar.

[0113] Preferably, flexible means that the substrate can be provided on a roll, preferably wherein the substrate can be printed using a web-fed printer. Preferably, flexible means that the substrate has a thickness of less than 250 μm, preferably less than 150 μm. An advantage of the substrate being flexible is that during production of the sensor strips, a roll of flexible substrate can be used, and the printed flexible substrate can be wound and stored until it is needed to separate it into individual sensors. Furthermore, the weight of the flexible substrate is reduced, which is better for the environment, since less polymer material is used per sensor strip.

[0114] Preferably, the sensor strip comprises a backing layer on a second surface of the flexible substrate, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface, preferably wherein the backing layer comprises paper, card or a polymer film, preferably paper. An advantage of the backing layer is that it provides structural rigidity to the sensor, which makes it less likely to be damaged in use or transport.

[0115] Preferably, the sensor bar comprises a frame, preferably wherein the frame is arranged substantially around the outside of the sensor bar, preferably wherein the frame is removable. The frame may provide structural rigidity to the sensor bar. It is advantageous to surround the outside so as to leave a large portion of the sensor for use. If the frame is removable, this is a further advantage as it can then be reused in subsequent sensor bars.

[0116] Preferably, the flexible substrate comprises a polymer film. Preferably, the flexible substrate comprises polyimide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polylactide, cellulose, starch, paper, wax-coated paper, plastic-coated paper, laminated plastic film or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably polyimide and / or polyethylene, preferably polyimide, preferably poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide) Such materials have the advantage of minimal deformation under tension during printing, which helps the sensor strips to be consistently manufactured. In addition, such materials are lightweight and have sufficient tensile strength.

[0117] Preferably, the thickness of the flexible substrate is in the range of about 10 μm to about 500 μm, preferably in the range of about 20 μm to about 250 μm, preferably in the range of about 20 μm to about 150 μm. Such thickness allows the substrate to be easily handled while minimizing the weight of the material used. In another embodiment, the substrate can be thicker than about 1 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0118] Preferably, the sensor strip includes about 3 to about 20 semiconductor polymer sensors, preferably about 4 to about 15 semiconductor polymer sensors, preferably about 5 to about 10 semiconductor polymer sensors, preferably about 6 to about 8 semiconductor polymer sensors. These are appropriate numbers of semiconductor polymer sensors to balance the sensitivity of the system and the desire to minimize the material used in each sensor.

[0119] Preferably, the length of the sensor strip is in the range of about 1 cm to about 12 cm, preferably in the range of about 3 cm to about 10 cm, preferably in the range of about 4 cm to about 9 cm. In case multiple sensor strips are connected together, the length means the length of the repeating unit.

[0120] Preferably, the width of the sensor strip is in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 8 cm, preferably in the range of about 2 cm to about 5 cm.

[0121] Such length and width dimensions are suitable for the number of polymer semiconductor sensors.

[0122] Preferably, the sensor bars are substantially rectangular. This allows efficient manufacturing with limited waste of substrate material.

[0123] Preferably, a plurality of sensors are arranged on a roller. Preferably, the first surface of the flexible substrate is an inner layer. Furthermore, the sensors are protected by subsequent sensor layers. This is efficient for storage and handling.

[0124] Preferably, each sensor is separable from the others. This allows for removal of one sensor at a time. Preferably, the sensors are separable by a perforated area or tear strip. Alternatively, the sensors are separated by cutting (such as with a knife or scissors). Preferably, the sensors are arranged in a single row on the roll. This makes them easier to dispense.

[0125] Preferably, multiple sensors are provided on the cartridge. This allows the sensor strip to be moved into position for fluid communication with the sampling chamber when required. The cartridge can then move the next sensor strip into position when required. This provides a simple way of carrying and positioning the sensor strips.

[0126] Preferably, at least the first surface of the sensor strip is provided with a protective layer, preferably a peel layer or a wrap. This protects the sensor from atmospheric influences until use.

[0127] Preferably, the sensor is a single-use sensor. This gives more accurate results because the detection is performed from the same base point. In particular, if VOCs irreversibly bind to a reusable sensor, subsequent results will be affected by the irreversibly bound VOCs. However, in the present invention, this is not a problem because a new sensor strip is used each time.

[0128] Preferably, the system comprises a plurality of sensor strips. This allows for multiple uses of the system.

[0129] Preferably, the system comprises a frame for the sensor bar. This allows easier handling of the sensor bar.

[0130] Preferably, the device also includes a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. It is advantageous to know the temperature and / or humidity of the soil sample as these influence the pattern matching method in evaluating the results using our software.

[0131] Preferably, the system further comprises a trowel, spatula or spatula. This allows the soil sample to be easily transferred into the sampling chamber.

[0132] Preferably, the system also includes a brush. This allows the sampling chamber to be cleaned between samples.

[0133] Preferably, the system also includes a bag. This can be used to store and carry the system.

[0134] The present invention also relates to a soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strip, comprising a flexible substrate having a first surface and a semiconductor polymer sensor array arranged on the first surface,

[0135] Each semiconductor polymer sensor includes an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0136] Further characteristics of the sensor strip are defined herein.

[0137] Preferably, the soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strip is disposed within a sensor strip storage device; preferably, wherein the sensor strip storage device is substantially sealed; and / or wherein the sensor strip storage device is a cartridge.

[0138] It will be appreciated that the soil VOC sensor strip is suitable for detecting VOCs in soil and / or detecting gases emitted from soil.

[0139] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strip, comprising:

[0140] i. providing a flexible substrate having a first surface;

[0141] ii. Provide conductive ink;

[0142] iii. Provide a variety of semiconductor polymer inks;

[0143] iv. printing a conductive ink onto the first surface to form a plurality of pairs of electrodes, wherein one or each pair of the plurality of pairs of electrodes comprises a first electrode and a second electrode;

[0144] v. printing each semiconductor polymer ink onto the first surface;

[0145] Each semiconductor polymer ink is disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode of one of the plurality of pairs of electrodes.

[0146] An advantage of the invention is that the sensor strips can be printed. This improves the manufacturing method. Furthermore, a particular advantage is that the flexible substrate can be rolled up before and after the printing step.

[0147] Conductive ink is preferably an ink that is conductive when printed onto the first substrate. Conductive ink preferably means at least 1×10 4 S / m, preferably at least 1×10 7 Conductivity in S / m.

[0148] Preferably, the conductive ink comprises a metal, a metal oxide, a conductive polymer, graphene or carbon, preferably silver, gold, copper, zinc, carbon, graphene nanosheets, indium tin oxide, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), 3,4-ethyleneoxythiophene or a derivative thereof or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene or a derivative thereof, or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver, gold, copper, zinc or carbon, preferably silver, gold, copper or zinc or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver, gold or copper or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver and / or gold, preferably silver. Such materials are suitable Suitable for printing onto a substrate. Preferably, the conductive ink comprises nanoparticles, nanosheets, microsheets or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably metal nanosheets, metal microsheets, metal nanoparticles or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably metal nanosheets or metal microsheets, preferably metal nanosheets, preferably wherein the metal is silver, gold, copper or zinc or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably wherein the metal is silver, gold or copper or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably wherein the metal is silver and / or gold, preferably wherein the metal is silver. This is a suitable way to print electrodes onto a flexible substrate.

[0149] Preferably, the conductive ink is cured by ultraviolet light to harden the ink.

[0150] Preferably, the conductive ink is sintered. The sintering step improves the conductivity of the electrode.

[0151] Preferably, the method comprises printing a plurality of sensor strips onto a flexible substrate, and further comprises cutting the flexible substrate into individual sensors.

[0152] Preferably, the method further comprises winding the flexible substrate into a roll having a plurality of sensors thereon; optionally, winding the flexible substrate into a roll around at least one reel.

[0153] Preferably, step iv is performed before step v. This helps to position the semiconducting polymer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0154] Preferably, when step iv is performed before step v, the semiconductor ink may also be printed at least partially on top of the first electrode and the second electrode. This ensures that the semiconductor polymer fills the space between the first electrode and the second electrode. Furthermore, this eliminates the need to align the printer so that the semiconductor polymer ink is only printed between the electrodes and is more efficient from a manufacturing point of view.

[0155] Preferably, when step v is performed before step iv, the conductive ink may be at least partially printed on top of the semiconducting polymer. This is more efficient from a manufacturing point of view.

[0156] Preferably, when step v is performed before step iv, the semiconductive polymer ink is dried before performing step iv.

[0157] Preferably, when step iv is performed before step v, the conductive ink is dried before performing step v.

[0158] The present invention relates to a method for analyzing soil, comprising:

[0159] a) providing a device, wherein the device comprises a sampling chamber, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber, a power supply and a resistance detector; a display and / or a data storage;

[0160] b) Provide soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strips,

[0161] The sensor strip comprises a flexible substrate having a first surface and a semiconductor polymer sensor array arranged on the first surface,

[0162] wherein each semiconductor polymer sensor comprises an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode;

[0163] c) provide soil samples,

[0164] d) positioning a sensor strip over the sensor strip well, wherein one or each semiconductor polymer sensor is in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, wherein each pair of electrodes is electrically connected to a power source and a resistance detector,

[0165] e) positioning the soil sample in the sampling chamber,

[0166] f) activating a power source to provide power to the sensor strip, and

[0167] g) detecting the resistance of one or each of the semiconductor polymer sensors using a resistance detector to provide an output;

[0168] h) transmitting the output from the resistance detector to a display and / or data storage and sending the output for comparison with a known data set and showing the comparison output on a display and / or storing the comparison output on a data storage.

[0169] This provides a direct method of analyzing soil health. This allows the output to be observed or stored.

[0170] Preferably, the sensor strip is positioned before the sampling chamber containing the soil sample is moved to the closed position.

[0171] Preferably, the method further comprises:

[0172] i) comparing the output of each semiconducting polymer sensor to a reference dataset, preferably using a machine learning algorithm to look for patterns in the output.

[0173] This allows the VOC fingerprint to be compared with previous data and recommendations made regarding differences.

[0174] Preferably, the method further comprises:

[0175] j) providing soil care recommendations based on step i), preferably, wherein the soil care recommendations include adjusting pH level, water content, nitrate content, microbial biomass or fungal content, or any combination of two or more thereof.

[0176] Preferably, the microbial biomass may be increased by providing organic fertilizer, preferably manure or compost.

[0177] Preferably, the advice is provided on the display. Preferably, the advice is provided within 1 hour of power actuation, preferably between about 2 minutes and about 30 minutes, preferably between about 4 minutes and about 10 minutes, preferably between about 5 minutes and about 8 minutes.

[0178] This allows suggestions to be given to the user on how to improve soil conditions. Comparison of the fingerprint produced by each semiconductor polymer sensor with a reference data set gives suggestions that can be implemented by the user. Real-time suggestions are an advantage of the present invention.

[0179] Preferably, the reference data set comprises a series of outputs from the semiconducting polymer sensor, combined with other information about the soil, such as water content, humidity, temperature, growing crops, crop stage, crop yield or microbial diversity or any combination of two or more thereof.

[0180] Preferably, step d) further comprises securing the sensor bar, preferably using a sensor bar securing means. Preferably, the sensor bar securing means is attached to the housing. Preferably, the sensor bar securing means is pivotably attached to the housing. Preferably, wherein the sensor bar securing means is a lever that can be moved from an open position to a closed position. It is advantageous to be able to hold the sensor bar in place. Typically, the system will be used outside (such as in the field) where it will be exposed to the elements such as wind. It is advantageous to hold the sensor bar in place so that it does not substantially move or blow away. The purpose of this is to ensure that each of the first electrode and the second electrode is connected to an appropriate electrical connection within the device.

[0181] Preferably, step c) further comprises heating the soil sample.

[0182] It may be advantageous to heat the soil to release VOCs from the soil sample and / or to release gases adsorbed by the soil particles.

[0183] Preferably, step d) further comprises inserting the sensor bar storage means into the device; preferably, wherein the sensor bar storage means is a cartridge.

[0184] Preferably, step d) further comprises positioning the sensor strip over the sensor strip hole and / or positioning the sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber by automatic replacement; preferably, wherein the automatic replacement is performed by moving the sensor strip between at least two reels and across the sampling chamber.

[0185] Preferably, step f) comprises applying about 1 to about 10 Volts, preferably about 3 to about 8 Volts. Advantageously, a low voltage may be applied.

[0186] Preferably, step f) comprises applying direct current (DC). Advantageously only direct current is required. This simplifies the equipment required to provide power to the sensor strip. An advantage of the present invention is that DC current can be used.

[0187] Alternatively, step f) comprises applying an alternating current (AC).

[0188] Preferably, the method is performed above about 10° C. Although the method can be performed below this temperature, the VOC levels may be lower.

[0189] Another advantage of the present invention is that the soil can be analyzed when it has any moisture content. Therefore, it is not necessary to wait for any specific weather conditions before performing the analysis. Preferably, the volumetric moisture content of the soil is about 1% to about 50%. The volumetric moisture content can be calculated based on the volume of water divided by the volume of the soil (including any air and water present). If the volumetric moisture content of the soil sample is less than about 1, water can be added to the soil sample. The present invention is related to a method for improving soil conditions, comprising performing the method of analyzing soil as described herein in steps a) to i), and taking action on soil care recommendations. This helps users treat the soil so that they can increase the yield of crops. This provides users with real-time recommendations on how to improve soil health.

[0190] The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in a method for analyzing soil or improving soil conditions as described herein, wherein the apparatus comprises a sampling chamber for receiving soil, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber for positioning a sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, a power source and a resistance detector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0191] Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0192] Figure 1 The device 2 of the present invention is shown. The device 2 includes a sampling chamber 4. The sampling chamber 4 is in the form of a drawer 10 and is shown in an open position. The sampling chamber 4 is ready to receive a soil sample. A sensor strip hole 8 is shown, which is positioned above the position where the sampling chamber 4 is located when the sampling chamber 4 is in a closed position. The sensor strip fixing device 12 is shown as a rod and is in an open position. The sensor strip position device 14 is shown as a recess for receiving a sensor strip 20 (not shown). The size and shape of the recess are designed to receive the sensor strip 20. The housing 6 is shown as containing a power supply (not shown) and a resistance detector (not shown). The display 5 and / or the data storage 3 can be connected to the resistance detector via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a mobile wireless communication system, a cable or a direct electrical connection.

[0193] Figure 2 A system 18 of the invention is shown, comprising a display 3 and / or a data storage 3. The system is shown as having Figure 1The drawer 10 is shown in a closed position. The sensor bar 20 is shown positioned in a sensor bar positioning device, which is shown as a recess. The sensor bar 20 is positioned so that the semiconductor polymer sensor 24 is positioned so that the first surface of the sensor bar 20 is located above the sensor bar hole 8, facing the interior of the sampling chamber 4. The electrical connector 32 is shown connected and connected to a power source (not shown) and a resistance detector (not shown). The sensor bar fixture 12 is shown as a portion between the open position and the closed position. In use, it will be moved to contact the sensor bar 20.

[0194] Figure 3 A sensor strip 20 of the present invention is shown. The sensor strip 20 has a flexible substrate 22 with an array of semiconductor polymer sensors 24. In this example, six sensors are shown, but other numbers are possible as described herein. Each semiconductor polymer sensor 24 is shown connected to an electrical connection 32.

[0195] Figure 4 An enlarged semiconductor polymer sensor 24 of the present invention is shown. The semiconductor polymer sensor 24 is shown as having a first electrode 26 and a second electrode 28. The first electrode 26 and the second electrode 28 are shown in the form of interdigitated fingers. As shown, the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 28 have substantially vertical turns between subsequent fingers, and the fingers are substantially straight. In each semiconductor polymer sensor, a semiconductor polymer 30 is disposed between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 28.

[0196] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a semiconductor polymer sensor 24 of the present invention. The semiconductor sensor 24 includes a flexible substrate 22. A semiconductor polymer 30 is disposed on a first surface 36 of the flexible substrate 22 and is disposed between a first electrode 26 and a second electrode 28. An electrical connector 32 connects the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 28 to a power source 60. As shown in the figure, a current I DS Flows in a clockwise direction from power source 60 to first electrode 26, across organic semiconductor polymer 30, to second electrode 28, and back to power source 60. The resistance between first electrode 26 and second electrode 28 can be measured using a resistance detector (not shown).

[0197] Figure 6A cross section of a soil volatile organic compound (VOC) impedance spectroscopy sensor strip 40 is shown. The sensor strip 40 is shown as a field effect transistor and has a flexible substrate 42 with a gate electrode 50 on a first surface 54 of the flexible substrate 42. An insulating layer 44 is disposed above the gate electrode 50. A source electrode 46 and a drain electrode 48 are disposed on top of the insulating layer 44. A semiconducting polymer 62 is disposed on the insulating layer 44 and between the source electrode 46 and the drain electrode 48. The insulating layer 44 separates the gate electrode 50 from the source electrode 46, the drain electrode 48, and the semiconducting polymer 62. An electrical connector 64 connects the source electrode 46 and the drain electrode 48 to a power source 66. As shown, the current I DS In a clockwise direction it flows from the power source 66 to the drain electrode 48, across the organic semiconductor polymer 62, to the source electrode 46, and back to the power source 66. An AC power source 70 is supplied to the gate electrode 50. A frequency response analyzer 72 measures I AC frequency. In addition, the resistance between the source electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 can be measured using a resistance detector (not shown). It is necessary to make two measurements and then calculate the impedance. This is more Figure 5 The sensor strip shown in requires more complex electronics and more computing power. In addition, the output is Figure 5 The sensors are more complex.

[0198] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the device of the present invention is shown. The device 102 of this other embodiment includes a sampling chamber 104. The sampling chamber 104 is in the form of a drawer 110 and is Figure 7 The drawer 11 can be moved into and out of the housing 106. The sampling chamber 104 is Figure 7 10 is shown ready to receive a soil sample. The device 102 also includes a housing 106, which contains a power supply (not shown), a stepper motor (not shown), and a resistance detector (not shown). The display 105 and / or the data storage 103 can be connected to the resistance detector via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a mobile wireless communication system, a cable, or a direct electrical connection. The housing 106 may also additionally include a heating element (not shown) to heat the soil in the soil drawer 110, thereby releasing VOCs and gases adsorbed by the particles of the soil sample.

[0199] The sensor strip 120 is wound onto a cartridge reel 114 within a cartridge 115, such as Figure 8As shown, the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge chamber 101 in use. The sensor 124 in the form of a sensor strip 120 is moved into position by a stepper motor (not shown) through the removable engagement of the cartridge reel drive shaft 112 with the cartridge reel 114. It should be understood that alternative movement mechanisms and alternative sensor strip storage devices can be used to automatically move the sensor 124 to a desired position facing the sampling chamber 104.

[0200] In use, to analyze a soil sample, a sensor 124 (in the form of a sensor strip 120) is brought into electrical contact with the device 102 to perform a soil scan and then automatically takes its place as a new sensor 124 is moved in the sensor strip 120. In use, the electrical connector 132 carries the signals required by the connector system to move the sensor strip 120 as needed.

[0201] Figure 8 Shown is a Figure 7 1 is an exploded view of a cassette 115 for use with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The cassette 115 includes a first cassette reel housing chamber 117, a second cassette reel housing chamber 119, a cassette housing cover 121, a sensor hole 108 in the cassette 115, a first cassette reel 114, a second cassette reel (not shown), a guide 116 for positioning a sensor strip 120, and a sensor 124. Figure 8 The sensor strip 120 shown in FIG. 1 includes a short strip of sensors 124; however, it should be understood that in use, a long strip 120 of about 10-1000 or more sensors is wound onto a corresponding cartridge reel 114. The sensor strip 124 includes a short strip of sensors 124; however, it should be understood that in use, a long strip 120 of about 10-1000 or more sensors is wound onto a corresponding cartridge reel 114. Figure 3 The sensors 124 described. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the width of each sensor 124 is about 1.5 cm, and the length of each sensor 124 is about 3 cm, wherein the substrate length (i.e., the gap) between each sensor has a length of about 3 cm. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors 124 are positioned closer together to reduce the length of the sensor strip 120; for example, the substrate length between each sensor 124 is between about 1 cm and about 5 cm. In an alternative embodiment, the width of each sensor is about 1 cm, and the length of each sensor is about 2 cm. It should be understood that the sensor strips 120 of the present invention are carefully configured to balance production efficiency and achieve the desired sensitivity to VOCs and / or adsorbed gases. Sensor strips with reduced surface area are more efficient to produce, but will have reduced sensitivity.

[0202] Prior to use, sensor strip 120 may be packaged in a sealed nitrogen-containing package to prevent exposure of sensor 124 to air, oxygen, moisture, or other contaminants.

[0203] In use, one or more new, unused sensor strips 120 are tightly wound around the first cartridge reel 114, with the last sensor in the strip attached to the second cartridge reel (not shown). Thus, new sensors 124 in the form of sensor strips 120 are wound across the sensor apertures 108 from one cartridge reel and held in a scanning position, and then tightly wound onto another cartridge reel as they are automatically moved in use. The sensors 124 are passed through the sensor apertures 108 as part of the sensor strip 120 via guides 116 to allow the sensors to make electrical contact with the device, such as Figure 7 Tightly winding one or more sensor strips 120 around a corresponding cartridge reel 114 ensures that air and moisture are excluded from each sensor surface to extend the life of the sensors 124 on the sensor strips 120 by protecting the sensors 124 on the sensor strips 120 from degradation by atmospheric conditions.

[0204] Example

[0205] The invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0206] A sensor strip according to the present invention having an array of six semiconductor polymer sensors is used in an apparatus of the present invention to measure output from a first soil sample and a second soil sample. The soil samples have different compositions. The sensor strip is positioned over the sensor strip hole, and the first soil sample is positioned in the sampling chamber. Electricity is applied to the sensor strip, and the resistance of each semiconductor polymer sensor is measured for at least 5 minutes. This process is repeated with a new sensor strip for the second soil sample. Fig. 9 The results of the resistance variation of the first soil sample over time are shown in Fig.10 The results of the resistance change of the second soil sample over time are shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, each semiconductor polymer sensor produces a different pattern compared to the other semiconductor polymer sensors, indicating that each semiconductor polymer sensor has a different response to the VOC from the first soil sample. Fig.10 Similar results are shown in . In addition, each soil sample produces a different map of the specific semiconductor polymer sensor, namely Fig. 9 S1 (sensor 1) in the figure shows Fig.10 The invention uses a machine learning algorithm to compare the pattern from each sensor to a known data set. This allows the user to identify key features of the soil and provide the user with recommendations on how to improve the soil quality.

[0207] In this specification, embodiments have been described in a manner that enables clear and concise descriptions to be written, but it should be understood that embodiments may be combined or separated differently without departing from the present invention. For example, it should be understood that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the present invention described herein, and vice versa.

[0208] In this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

[0209] In the present specification, the term "substantially" means a deviation of plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

[0210] In this specification, the term "one or each" preferably means at least one, preferably each.

[0211] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Therefore, these changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soil, comprising a device and a soil VOC sensor strip, in, The apparatus includes a sampling chamber for receiving soil, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber for positioning the sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, a power source, and a resistance detector, wherein the sensor strip comprises a flexible substrate having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface, wherein each of the semiconductor polymer sensors comprises an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the sensor strip is electrically connected to the power supply and the resistance detector, Wherein, the system further comprises a display and / or a data storage, wherein the resistance detector transmits an output to the display and / or the data storage, and the output is sent for comparison with a known data set, and the comparison output is displayed on the display and / or stored in the data storage.

2. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power source is a battery.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device also includes: i. a housing, preferably wherein the housing comprises the sampling chamber, preferably wherein the housing further comprises the resistance detector and / or the power supply, preferably wherein the housing further comprises the resistance detector and the power supply; and / or ii. wherein the display and / or the data storage device is connectable to the resistance detector via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a mobile wireless communication system, a cable or a direct electrical connection, preferably via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a mobile wireless communication system, preferably via Bluetooth; and / or wherein the display and / or the data storage device is a personal electronic device (PED), preferably the PED is a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a laptop or a notebook computer, preferably a smartphone; and / or iii. wherein the device further comprises a sensor bar fixture, preferably wherein the sensor bar fixture is attached to the housing, preferably wherein the sensor bar fixture is pivotally attached to the housing, preferably wherein the sensor bar fixture is a lever that can be moved from an open position to a closed position; and / or iv. wherein the apparatus comprises a heater for heating the sampling chamber.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device further comprises a sensor bar storage device; preferably, wherein the sensor bar storage device is substantially sealed; and / or wherein the sensor bar storage device is a cartridge; and / or The device further comprises at least one moving mechanism for automatically replacing and / or positioning the sensor strip to be fluidically connected to the sampling chamber; preferably, the moving mechanism comprises at least two scrolls for moving the sensor strip between them and across the sampling chamber; optionally, the moving mechanism comprises a stepping motor and / or a sensor strip positioning device.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sampling chamber has an open position and a closed position, preferably, wherein the sampling chamber is a drawer and the drawer is movable from the open position to the closed position; and / or wherein the device further comprises a switch, wherein actuating the switch switches on the power supply, preferably, wherein the switch is actuated when the sampling chamber is in the closed position; and / or wherein the power supply is turned off after a predetermined time period, preferably wherein the power supply is automatically turned off after a predetermined time period, preferably wherein the predetermined time period is at least about 30 seconds, preferably about 30 seconds to about 60 minutes, preferably about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes, preferably about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, preferably about 1 minute to about 10 minutes, preferably about 2 minutes to about 8 minutes, preferably about 3 minutes to about 6 minutes.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device is a handheld device.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sampling chamber has a width of about 10 cm 3 To about 300cm 3 The maximum capacity within the range, preferably about 50cm 3 To about 200cm 3 within the range of about 70 cm 3 About 150cm 3 to the extent that: and / or wherein, when the sampling chamber is filled to maximum capacity, the distance between the level of the soil and the sensor strip is in the range of about 0.5 cm to 5 cm, preferably in the range of about 1 cm to about 3 cm; and / or Wherein, when the sampling chamber is filled to the maximum capacity and the sampling chamber is in the closed position, the head space has a space of about 3 cm 3 To approximately 50cm 3 The volume within the range is preferably about 10 cm 3 To approximately 30cm 3 .

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One or each of the electrode pairs is in the form of interdigitated fingers or concentric spirals, preferably in the form of interdigitated fingers; and / or wherein one or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes comprises a metal, a metal oxide, a conductive polymer, graphene or carbon, preferably silver, gold, copper, zinc, carbon, graphene nanosheets, indium tin oxide, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene or a derivative thereof or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or a derivative thereof or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver, gold, copper, zinc or carbon, preferably silver, gold, copper or zinc or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver, gold or copper or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably silver and / or gold, preferably silver; and / or wherein the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of one or each of the electrode pairs is in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm, preferably in the range of about 1 μm to about 30 μm, preferably in the range of about 4 μm to about 20 μm, and preferably in the range of about 5 μm to about 15 μm.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes is printed, preferably flexographically, gravure, offset, screen or digitally, preferably flexographically or gravure, most preferably flexographically, and / or Therein, one or each semiconducting polymer is printed, preferably digitally, flexographically, gravure, screen-printed or offset-printed, preferably digitally, preferably ink-printed.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The length of one or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes is in the range of about 1 cm to about 50 cm, preferably in the range of about 2 cm to about 30 cm, preferably in the range of about 3 cm to about 20 cm, preferably in the range of about 5 cm to about 15 cm; and / or wherein the width and thickness of one or each of the first electrodes and / or one or each of the second electrodes are each independently in the range of about 3 nm to about 1.5 μm, preferably in the range of about 5 nm to about 1 μm, preferably in the range of about 10 nm to about 0.5 μm, preferably in the range of about 100 nm to about 300 nm; and / or wherein one or each semiconducting polymer is an organic semiconducting polymer; and / or Wherein one or each semiconducting polymer has a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 500,000.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least two of the semiconducting polymers comprise different semiconducting polymers, preferably wherein each of the semiconducting polymers comprises a different semiconducting polymer; and / or One or each of the semiconducting polymers has a thickness of about 1 nm to about 100 μm, preferably about 1 nm to about 1 μm, preferably about 2 nm to about 100 nm, preferably about 3 nm to about 50 nm, preferably about 10 nm to about 30 nm.

12. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor strip comprises a backing layer on a second surface of the flexible substrate, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, preferably wherein the backing layer comprises paper, card or a polymer film, preferably paper; and / or Wherein the sensor bar comprises a frame, preferably wherein the frame is arranged substantially around an outer side of the sensor bar, preferably wherein the frame is removable.

13. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible substrate comprises polyimide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polylactide, cellulose, starch, paper, wax-coated paper, plastic-coated paper, laminated plastic film, or any combination of two or more thereof, preferably polyimide and / or polyethylene, preferably polyimide, preferably poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide) 14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flexible substrate has a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 1 mm, preferably about 20 μm to about 250 μm, preferably about 20 μm to about 150 μm; and / or wherein the sensor strip comprises about 3 to about 20 semiconductor polymer sensors, preferably about 4 to about 15 semiconductor polymer sensors, preferably about 5 to about 10 semiconductor polymer sensors, preferably about 6 to about 8 semiconductor polymer sensors; and / or wherein the length of the sensor strip is in the range of about 1 cm to about 12 cm, preferably in the range of about 3 cm to about 10 cm, preferably in the range of about 4 cm to about 9 cm; and / or The width of the sensor strip is in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 8 cm, preferably in the range of about 2 cm to about 5 cm.

15. A soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strip comprising a flexible substrate having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface, in, Each semiconducting polymer sensor includes an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconducting polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

16. A sensor strip comprising the features of any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A method for producing a soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strip, comprising: i. providing a flexible substrate having a first surface; ii. Provide conductive ink; iii. Provide a variety of semiconductor polymer inks; iv. printing the conductive ink onto the first surface to form a plurality of pairs of electrodes, wherein one or each pair of the plurality of pairs of electrodes comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, v. printing each of the semiconducting polymer inks onto the first surface, Each of the semiconductor polymer inks is disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode of a pair of electrodes among the plurality of pairs of electrodes.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the features of any one of claims 8 to 14.

19. A method for analyzing soil, comprising: a) providing an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a sampling chamber, a sensor strip well in the sampling chamber, a power source and a resistance detector; Display and / or data storage; b) Provide soil volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor strips, wherein the sensor strip comprises a flexible substrate having a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface, wherein each of the semiconductor polymer sensors comprises an electrode pair, wherein the electrode pair comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; c) provide soil samples, d) positioning the sensor strip over the sensor strip well, wherein one or each of the semiconductor polymer sensors is in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, wherein each pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the power source and the resistance detector, e) positioning the soil sample in the sampling chamber, f) actuating the power supply to supply power to the sensor strip, and g) detecting the resistance of one or each of the semiconductor polymer sensors using the resistance detector to provide an output; h) transmitting the output from the resistance detector to a display and / or data storage; sending the output for comparison with a known data set and showing the comparison output on a display and / or storing on a data storage.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: i) using a machine learning algorithm to find patterns in said output; and / or wherein step d) further comprises inserting a sensor strip storage device into the apparatus; preferably, wherein the sensor strip storage device is a cartridge; and / or wherein step d) further comprises positioning the sensor strip over the sensor strip hole and / or positioning the sensor strip to be in fluid communication with the sampling chamber by automatic replacement; preferably, wherein the automatic replacement is moving the sensor strip between at least two reels and across the sampling chamber.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising j) providing soil care recommendations based on step i), preferably wherein the soil care recommendations comprise adjusting soil organic matter content, pH level, moisture content, nitrate content, microbial biomass or fungal content, or any combination of two or more thereof.

22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising the features of any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A method of improving soil conditions comprising performing the method of claim 21 or claim 22 and acting in accordance with the soil care recommendations.

24. An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the apparatus comprises a sampling chamber for receiving soil, a sensor strip hole in the sampling chamber for positioning the sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, a power supply and a resistance detector.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising the features of any one of claims 2 to 7.

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