Environment monitoring unit and deployment method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an environment monitoring unit and a deployment method thereof, and relates to the technical field of environment monitoring. The monitoring unit comprises a protection box and a soil sensor arranged in the protection box; a probe of the soil sensor penetrates through the wall of the protection box, extends outwards, inclines downwards and is used for monitoring soil parameters; and the soil sensor is detachably connected with the protection box. The problems that in the prior art, sensors are high in replacement cost, inconvenient to deploy and poor in monitoring flexibility are solved, independent replacement of a single sensor is achieved through detachable connection design, flexible adjustment of the monitoring depth is achieved through modular superposition, the maintenance cost is greatly reduced, and the deployment efficiency and the system adaptability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of environmental monitoring technology, and in particular to an environmental monitoring unit and its deployment method. Background Technology

[0002] The internal environment of an orchard differs significantly from its external environment. The internal air temperature and humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and soil parameters directly affect the growth of fruit trees and the quality of the fruit. Traditional orchard environmental monitoring primarily uses fixed sensors, which presents the following problems: Collecting soil sensor data alone, without combining it with environmental parameters above the sensor, makes it impossible to accurately assess the growth status of fruit trees or determine whether agronomic operations should be carried out.

[0003] Soil sensors are typically tubular in structure. During deployment, it is necessary to ensure that the sensor interface is in full contact with the soil. Deployment is time-consuming and prone to poor contact.

[0004] Sensors deployed in orchards are more likely to come into contact with agricultural machinery and manual labor, significantly increasing the probability of damage. When a soil sensor fails, the entire sensor needs to be replaced, resulting in high costs. This problem exists for both tubular and needle-type multi-layer soil sensors. For example, Chinese patent CN219065463U discloses a tubular multi-layer soil moisture monitor, but its internal sensors are integrated, requiring the entire device to be excavated for repair or replacement, leading to low efficiency.

[0005] Existing monitoring units lack flexibility and cannot adaptively adjust deployment depth according to user needs. For example, Chinese patent CN219348867U describes a soil moisture detection device that uses an outer sleeve and an inner detection component, but the sensor is fixed and cannot be adjusted in depth. When monitoring soil at different depths, the entire system needs to be redeployed, increasing usage costs and deployment difficulty.

[0006] Although needle-type soil sensors are relatively easy to deploy, the connection circuits between multiple needle sensors in the existing technology are directly exposed in the soil, making them susceptible to corrosion, mechanical damage, and damage from agricultural operations, which reduces the reliability and service life of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an environmental monitoring unit and its deployment method to solve the technical problems of high sensor replacement cost, inconvenient deployment, and poor monitoring flexibility in the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides an environmental monitoring unit, including a protective box and a soil sensor disposed inside the protective box; The soil sensor has a needle-type structure, with the probe extending outward through the protective box wall and tilting downward to monitor soil parameters. The soil sensor and the protective box are detachably connected.

[0009] Optionally, the protective box is equipped with multiple soil sensors, which are distributed at different heights within the protective box.

[0010] Optionally, the soil sensor is used to monitor at least one of soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil electrical conductivity.

[0011] Optionally, the probe is tilted downwards at an angle of 30°-60° to the vertical direction.

[0012] Optionally, the protective box is a tubular, cylindrical, columnar, or rod-shaped structure; The protective box has an opening and a cover plate that is detachably connected to the protective box, through which the soil sensor is installed and removed.

[0013] Optionally, the protective boxes may include multiple boxes connected sequentially in a vertical direction.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes an above-ground portion, which includes a bracket, an air sensor mounted on the bracket, a power supply module, a data acquisition module, and a communication module mounted on the top of the bracket; The air sensor and the soil sensor are electrically connected to the data acquisition module; The communication module is electrically connected to the data acquisition module and is used to transmit data to the cloud platform.

[0015] Optionally, each of the soil sensors has an independent address, and the data acquisition module polls for data according to the address.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method for deploying an environmental monitoring unit, which employs the above-mentioned environmental monitoring unit and includes: Drill holes in the ground; Depending on the required monitoring depth, the protective box is inserted into the borehole so that the probe of the soil sensor can be inserted into the soil, or multiple protective boxes can be stacked vertically and then inserted into the borehole as a whole.

[0017] Optionally, when the soil sensor is damaged, the protective box is removed from the soil, the damaged soil sensor is disassembled and replaced with a new soil sensor, and then the protective box is reinserted into the soil.

[0018] This invention utilizes a detachable design between the needle-type soil sensor and its protective housing, enabling individual sensor replacement. When a soil sensor fails, only the protective housing needs to be removed to replace the damaged sensor, eliminating the need to replace the entire multi-layer sensor system and significantly reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, the needle-type sensor's probe extends outward through the protective housing wall and tilts downward, allowing for direct insertion after drilling a hole in the ground using a soil auger. This simplifies deployment and avoids the complexities of ensuring full contact between the sensor interface and the soil, as required by traditional tubular sensors. The tilted design also facilitates removal and replacement. In addition, the protective housing protects the sensor's connection circuitry, preventing direct exposure of wires to the soil and effectively preventing wire corrosion, mechanical damage, and disruption from agricultural operations, thus improving system reliability and lifespan.

[0019] This invention utilizes a modular design with multiple protective boxes connected vertically in sequence, enabling flexible adjustment of monitoring depth. Users can select different numbers of protective boxes to stack based on orchard soil profile characteristics and monitoring needs, meeting varying depth monitoring requirements from shallow to deep layers. This solves the problems of fixed sensor depth and lack of customizable deployment in existing technologies. Simultaneously, multiple soil sensors distributed at different heights within the protective boxes, combined with other types of sensors above ground, achieve comprehensive monitoring of both above-ground and below-ground environmental parameters in the orchard, providing comprehensive data support for precise orchard management. Furthermore, data is transmitted to a cloud platform via solar panel power and a communication module, achieving energy self-sufficiency and remote data transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the environmental monitoring unit structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the protective box and soil sensor structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a system block diagram of the environmental monitoring unit in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the environmental monitoring unit deployment method in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram, 1 is the power supply module; 2 is the bracket; 3 is the carbon dioxide sensor; 4 is the air temperature and humidity sensor; 5 is the power distribution cabinet; 6 is the protection box; and 7 is the soil sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the invention described herein while still achieving its advantageous effects. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being of general knowledge to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0023] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first," "second," etc., are merely used to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages). In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] The invention is described more specifically by way of example in the following paragraphs with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the invention.

[0026] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an environmental monitoring unit, including a protective box and a soil sensor 7 installed inside the protective box. The soil sensor 7 is a needle-type structure, fixed inside the protective box, with a probe extending outward through the protective box wall and tilted downward, used to monitor soil parameters. The soil sensor 7 is detachably connected to the protective box.

[0027] This embodiment solves the problems of time-consuming deployment and poor contact of tubular sensors in the prior art by using a needle-type soil sensor 7 with the probe tilted downwards. Specifically, deployment only requires drilling a hole in the orchard ground using a soil auger, with the hole diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the protective box. The protective box with the sensor assembled is then inserted into the hole. After the protective box reaches the predetermined position, force is applied to the hole wall to insert the tilted probe into the soil of the hole wall, achieving full contact between the probe and the soil. The entire deployment process does not require large-scale excavation, which reduces the impact on the fruit tree roots and greatly improves deployment efficiency. The tilted design allows the probe to be inserted into the soil and make full contact with the soil with a moderate pushing force, ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring data, while also facilitating removal and replacement.

[0028] More importantly, the soil sensor 7 and the protective box are detachably connected, solving the problem of high cost and the need to replace the entire sensor when it is damaged in the prior art. When a soil sensor 7 is damaged, only the protective box needs to be removed from the soil, the damaged sensor can be disassembled and replaced with a new one, and then reinserted. There is no need to replace the entire protective box and all the sensors inside, which greatly reduces maintenance costs and improves the economy and practicality of the system.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the protective box is equipped with multiple soil sensors 7, which are distributed at different heights within the box. By placing multiple soil sensors 7 at different heights, environmental parameters at different depths of the soil profile can be monitored simultaneously, providing a comprehensive understanding of soil condition changes in the root zone. Figure 2 In this diagram, D1 represents the deepest monitoring depth, and D2 represents the shallowest monitoring depth. For example, in a pear orchard application, five layers of soil sensors 7 can be set up to monitor soil parameters at depths of 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, and 50cm, respectively, accurately reflecting the trend of moisture changes at different depths and providing data support for precision irrigation.

[0030] The soil sensor 7 is used to monitor at least one of soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil electrical conductivity. Soil temperature reflects the thermal state of the soil and affects the physiological activities of fruit tree roots; soil moisture reflects soil water content and is directly related to irrigation decisions; soil electrical conductivity reflects soil salinity and is closely related to soil fertility and nutrient status. By monitoring these parameters, the growth environment of fruit tree roots can be comprehensively assessed. In practical applications, each soil sensor 7 preferably monitors three parameters simultaneously: soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil electrical conductivity, achieving integrated monitoring.

[0031] The probe is tilted downwards at an angle of 30°-60° to the vertical. This angle range is the optimal range verified through practical application. The purpose of the downward tilting design is that after the protective box is inserted into the borehole and reaches the predetermined position, force is applied to the borehole wall to allow the tilted probe to smoothly insert into the soil and make full contact with it. When the tilt angle is less than 30°, the probe is too close to a vertical position, making it difficult to effectively insert into the soil and resulting in insufficient contact area; when the tilt angle is greater than 60°, the probe is too steep, requiring a large pushing force to insert, and it is easy to damage the probe or the soil structure when removing it. The tilt angle of 30°-60° facilitates the insertion of the probe into the soil with a moderate pushing force, ensures sufficient contact between the probe and the soil, and facilitates removal. In a specific example, the tilt angle is preferably 45°, at which point the best balance between ease of operation and measurement accuracy is achieved.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the protective box is a tubular, cylindrical, columnar, or rod-shaped structure. These structural forms are all suitable for vertical deployment in the soil, effectively protecting the internal soil sensor 7 and its connecting circuitry. In a preferred embodiment, the protective box adopts a tubular or cylindrical structure with a circular cross-section, facilitating direct insertion after drilling with a soil drill. Furthermore, the circular cross-section structure distributes stress evenly in the soil, structurally protecting the protective box.

[0033] The protective box has an opening, and the opening is fitted with a cover plate detachably connected to the protective box. The opening is preferably located on the top or side wall of the protective box, allowing for easy installation, removal, and replacement of the soil sensor 7 inside. The cover plate can be connected to the protective box using threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, bolt connections, or other methods commonly used by those skilled in the art. The cover plate is preferably waterproof, with a sealing ring to prevent rainwater or irrigation water from seeping into the protective box, protecting the circuitry and sensor from moisture.

[0034] In a specific example, a protective tube is installed outside the circuit to protect the circuit from environmental influences.

[0035] The protective box is preferably made of corrosion-resistant and high-strength materials such as stainless steel, ABS engineering plastic, and PVC pipe, which can be buried in the soil for a long time without corrosion or aging. In a specific example, the protective box is made of 304 stainless steel, which has both good corrosion resistance and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand soil pressure and external impact.

[0036] The soil sensor 7 is fixed to the inner wall of the protective box by means of a mounting base, slots, threaded interfaces, etc. The fixing method should ensure that the sensor position is stable and easy to disassemble and replace. In a specific example, the inner wall of the protective box is provided with multiple fixing slots. The body of the soil sensor 7 is inserted into the slots and locked by buckles or screws. When disassembling, the sensor can be removed simply by loosening the buckles or screws.

[0037] The probe is 5-10 cm in length and made of stainless steel, providing good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The probe surface is preferably polished to reduce resistance when inserted into the soil. The probe diameter is designed according to monitoring needs, generally 3-8 mm, ensuring sufficient strength without being too thick to be difficult to insert into the soil.

[0038] Furthermore, the environmental monitoring unit includes multiple protective boxes connected in sequence along a vertical direction.

[0039] This embodiment solves the problems of fixed monitoring depth and lack of flexibility in existing technologies by connecting multiple protective boxes vertically in a stacked manner. The specific implementation method is as follows: Each protective box adopts a standardized size design, with individual boxes having heights of 25cm, 50cm, or 75cm. When monitoring shallower soil layers (e.g., 0-50cm), a single 50cm high protective box is used; when monitoring deeper soil layers (e.g., 0-100cm), two 50cm high protective boxes are stacked vertically and connected, then inserted into the soil as a whole. This modular design allows the monitoring depth to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual needs of the orchard, meeting the differentiated monitoring depth requirements of different fruit tree varieties and different growth stages, while also achieving standardized production and universal use of the equipment, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0040] Adjacent protective boxes are connected by connectors to ensure a secure and reliable seal.

[0041] After multiple protective boxes are stacked and connected, the soil sensor 7 in the upper protective box monitors the shallower soil layer, and the soil sensor 7 in the lower protective box monitors the deeper soil layer.

[0042] In addition, another important technical benefit of stacking multiple protection boxes is the protection of the upper circuitry. If a single long-rod sensor is inserted directly to a depth of 100cm, the wires between the ground surface and the sensor will be exposed to the soil for a long distance, making them susceptible to soil corrosion, mechanical damage, or damage from agricultural operations, leading to circuit failure. However, by using multiple stacked protection boxes, the circuitry inside each protection box is protected by the box walls, and the connections are made using waterproof connectors, significantly improving the reliability and lifespan of the circuitry and reducing maintenance frequency.

[0043] In a specific example, the orchard needs to monitor soil parameters at a depth of 0-100cm, using two protective boxes with a height of 50cm. The first protective box contains five soil sensors 7, positioned at heights of 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, and 50cm respectively; the second protective box also contains five soil sensors 7. The two protective boxes are connected via a threaded sleeve and a waterproof connector, and are inserted as a whole into a pre-drilled hole using a soil drill.

[0044] Furthermore, the environmental monitoring unit in this embodiment also includes an above-ground part, which includes a support 2, an air sensor mounted on the support 2, a power supply module, a data acquisition module, and a communication module mounted on the top of the support 2.

[0045] The air sensor and the soil sensor 7 are electrically connected to the data acquisition module. The communication module is electrically connected to the data acquisition module and is used to transmit data to the cloud platform.

[0046] The support frame 2 is a column-type structure, preferably made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, possessing sufficient strength and corrosion resistance. The bottom of the support frame 2 is equipped with ground anchors or bases, which can be fixed to the ground by means of expansion bolts, pre-embedded parts, or direct insertion into the soil. The height of the support frame 2 is adjustable, generally 1.5-2.5 meters, to adapt to different orchard terrains and tree heights. Height adjustment can be achieved using methods commonly used by those skilled in the art, such as telescopic rods, hole adjustments, or threaded adjustments.

[0047] The air sensor is fixed in the middle of the bracket 2, preferably at a height of 1-1.5 meters above the ground. This height represents the air environment inside the orchard canopy while avoiding the influence of ground dust and water accumulation. The air sensor includes a carbon dioxide sensor 3 and an air temperature and humidity sensor 4.

[0048] The air sensors can monitor the orchard's microclimate in real time, enabling research into the impact of the orchard's microclimate on orchard production. Specifically, carbon dioxide sensor 3 monitors the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. Carbon dioxide is a raw material for photosynthesis, and its concentration affects the photosynthetic efficiency and growth rate of fruit trees. In densely planted orchards, the carbon dioxide concentration inside the canopy may be lower than the atmospheric average; monitoring this can assess ventilation and photosynthetic capacity. Air temperature and humidity sensor 4 monitors the air temperature and relative humidity inside the orchard. These two parameters directly affect the fruit trees' photosynthesis, transpiration, and the occurrence of pests and diseases.

[0049] In a specific example, the carbon dioxide sensor 3 and the air temperature and humidity sensor 4 are fixed below the power distribution cabinet 5 of the bracket 2, and are used to collect data on the carbon dioxide concentration and temperature and humidity of the air inside the orchard.

[0050] The power supply module is mounted on top of the bracket 2. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply module is a solar panel 1. The solar panel 1 is preferably made of polycrystalline silicon or monocrystalline silicon to meet the power supply requirements of the entire monitoring unit. The solar panel 1 is mounted on top of the bracket 2 via an adjustable bracket, which can adjust the tilt angle and orientation of the panel to achieve optimal light collection. Adjusting the tilt angle can maximize solar energy conversion efficiency in different geographical locations and seasons.

[0051] Solar panel 1 is connected to a power management circuit, which includes a charge controller, a battery, and a voltage conversion module. These are standard procedures for those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The battery is preferably a lithium-ion or lead-acid battery with a capacity of 10-30 Ah, capable of powering the system on cloudy days or at night, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring. The power management circuit converts the electrical energy generated by solar panel 1 into a stable operating voltage (e.g., 12V or 5V) to power the data acquisition module, communication module, and various sensors.

[0052] The data acquisition module is installed inside the waterproof power distribution cabinet 5. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the waterproof distribution cabinet 5 is fixed on the bracket 2. The waterproof distribution cabinet 5 is made of stainless steel and has a protection rating of IP65 or higher, preventing rainwater and dust intrusion. The waterproof distribution cabinet 5 has an internal mounting plate on which data acquisition modules, power management circuits, wiring terminals, and other equipment are mounted.

[0053] In a specific example, the data acquisition module includes a microprocessor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a memory, and interface circuitry, used to receive signals from various sensors and perform data acquisition, processing, and storage (optional). Specifically, the data acquisition module is electrically connected to the carbon dioxide sensor 3, the air temperature and humidity sensor 4, and the soil sensor 7 via the interface circuitry. The analog or digital signals output by the sensors are conditioned by the interface circuitry and then converted into digital quantities by the ADC. The microprocessor reads the digital quantities and performs data processing, such as filtering, calibration, and unit conversion, before storing the processed data in the memory or sending it directly through the communication module.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, each of the soil sensors 7 has an independent address, and the data acquisition module collects data by polling according to the address.

[0055] The communication module is electrically connected to the data acquisition module and is used to transmit data to the cloud platform. In a preferred embodiment, the communication module is a 4G communication module equipped with a suction cup antenna to enhance signal reception. The 4G communication module supports communication protocols such as TCP / IP, MQTT, and HTTP, and sends data to the cloud platform server through the mobile communication network. After receiving the data, the cloud platform stores, analyzes, and visualizes it. Users can view real-time data and historical curves through a mobile APP or computer webpage, as shown in Table 1 below. The cloud platform can also perform intelligent analysis based on preset thresholds. When the monitored parameters exceed the normal range, it automatically sends early warning information to fruit farmers, prompting them to irrigate, fertilize, or take other agronomic measures.

[0056] In a specific example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the system also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the information acquisition module, power supply module, and communication module. The control module receives sensor data transmitted by the information acquisition module and controls the communication module to send the data to the cloud platform; simultaneously, the control module receives power from the power supply module and distributes electrical energy to all modules of the system.

[0057] In a specific example, the control module can be remotely controlled via a cloud platform. For instance, remote control via the cloud platform can be used to modify the acquisition frequency, transmit information, and turn on the power supply module.

[0058] Table 1: Data collected and displayed by the cloud platform In a specific example, the communication module can also use other wireless communication methods such as LoRa, NB-IoT, and Wi-Fi.

[0059] The air sensor and the soil sensor 7 are electrically connected to the data acquisition module in parallel. Each sensor is connected to the data acquisition module independently. The advantages of parallel connection are: the failure of any one sensor will not affect the operation of other sensors; data from multiple sensors can be read simultaneously, improving data acquisition efficiency; and individual sensor replacement and expansion are convenient. In specific implementation, the data acquisition module has multiple input channels or bus interfaces, with each sensor occupying one channel or address, and parallel data acquisition is achieved through multiplexers or bus protocols.

[0060] In a specific example, the data acquisition module employs a timed acquisition strategy, such as collecting data from all sensors every 120 minutes, packaging the data, and sending it to the cloud platform via the communication module. Alternatively, event-triggered acquisition can be used; for example, when soil moisture falls below a set threshold, data is immediately collected and sent to provide real-time early warning.

[0061] In summary, the environmental monitoring unit provided in this embodiment, by employing a needle-type soil sensor with the probe tilted downwards and featuring a detachable connection design, effectively solves the core problems of high sensor replacement costs and inconvenient deployment in existing technologies. Deployment does not require large-scale excavation, reducing the impact on fruit tree roots and significantly improving deployment efficiency. More importantly, when a soil sensor fails, only the protective box needs to be removed from the soil, the cover opened to remove the damaged sensor, a new sensor replaced, and then reinserted; there is no need to replace the entire protective box and all sensors inside, reducing maintenance costs and improving the system's economy and practicality. Simultaneously, by placing multiple soil sensors within the protective box at different heights, temperature, humidity, and conductivity parameters at different depths of the soil profile can be monitored simultaneously, providing a comprehensive understanding of soil state changes in the root zone and reliable data support for precise irrigation and fertilization decisions. Furthermore, the protective box effectively protects the internal sensors and connecting circuits, preventing wires from being directly exposed to the soil and suffering corrosion, mechanical damage, and agricultural operation disruptions, thus improving the system's reliability and stability.

[0062] Example 2 This embodiment provides a method for deploying an environmental monitoring unit, using the environmental monitoring unit described in the above embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps: S1: Drill holes in the ground.

[0063] Specifically, select monitoring locations within the orchard, prioritizing drip line areas near the main trunk of the fruit trees and where the root system is concentrated. Use a soil auger to drill vertical holes in the ground. The drilling depth is determined by the length of the protective box; for example, when using a 50cm high protective box, the drilling depth should be 50-55cm, slightly deeper than the box height for easy insertion. The hole diameter should be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the protective box to ensure smooth insertion without friction against the hole wall. A sufficiently large hole diameter also prevents the sensor probe from contacting the soil during insertion, avoiding damage. A manual or electric soil auger can be used, depending on soil hardness and work efficiency. Maintain a vertical position during drilling to avoid difficulty or tilting of the protective box, which could hinder insertion.

[0064] S2: Depending on the required monitoring depth, insert the protective box 6 into the borehole so that the probe of the soil sensor 7 is inserted into the soil, or stack multiple protective boxes 6 vertically and insert them into the borehole as a whole, with the probe of the soil sensor 7 facing the center of the tree trunk.

[0065] Align the protective box containing multiple pre-assembled soil sensors 7 with the drill hole and insert it vertically downwards. During insertion, the sensor probes should not contact the soil to avoid damage caused by friction between the probes and the soil. Insertion should be slow and even, avoiding violent impacts that could damage the sensors or probes.

[0066] After the protective box reaches the designated position (the top of the protective box is flush with or slightly below the ground), the probe needs to be in full contact with the soil on the borehole wall.

[0067] It should be noted that if the depth is slightly below ground level, the monitoring depth should be calculated in conjunction with the depth below ground level.

[0068] If the monitoring depth is greater than the height of the protection box, multiple protection boxes can be stacked vertically.

[0069] In a specific example, the operation involves applying force to the soil sensor 7 towards the borehole wall, pushing the probe into the soil within the borehole wall. Because the probe is tilted downwards, by applying force to the borehole wall, the tilted probe can smoothly insert into the soil and make close contact with it. Only a slight force is needed to achieve contact between the probe and the soil layer.

[0070] The technical advantages of this deployment method are twofold: firstly, the probe does not contact the soil during the insertion of the protective box, avoiding probe damage and soil structure disruption; secondly, after the protective box is in place, force is applied to insert the probe into the borehole wall soil, ensuring full contact between the probe and the soil and guaranteeing the accuracy of the monitoring data. The tilt angle design allows the probe to be inserted into the soil with only moderate pushing force, simplifying operation.

[0071] It also includes step S3: collecting environmental parameters and transmitting data.

[0072] Connect the underground protective box to the data acquisition module on the ground floor via a cable. The cable extends from the top of the protective box and connects to the data acquisition module inside the waterproof distribution cabinet 5. After connection, turn on the power, and the data acquisition module begins to work. According to the preset acquisition cycle or strategy, it sequentially reads data from the carbon dioxide sensor 3, the air temperature and humidity sensor 4, and the soil sensors 7 at each layer, processes and stores the data (optional).

[0073] Furthermore, the data acquisition module sends the collected environmental parameters to the cloud platform via the communication module. The communication module establishes a communication connection with the cloud platform server, using protocols such as TCP / IP, MQTT, and HTTP to transmit data. The data packet contains information such as device ID, timestamp, sensor address, and measurement value. After receiving the data, the cloud platform parses, stores, and displays it, allowing users to view the values ​​and change curves of various parameters in real time.

[0074] The cloud platform can also perform data analysis, such as comparing the changing trends of soil moisture at different depths, combining air temperature and humidity to determine evaporation and transpiration, and predicting irrigation needs; comparing carbon dioxide concentrations at different time periods to assess orchard ventilation and photosynthetic efficiency; and determining salt accumulation based on soil conductivity to guide fertilization. When monitored parameters exceed preset thresholds, the cloud platform automatically sends warning messages to the user's mobile phone or computer, prompting them to take appropriate measures, thus achieving precise and intelligent orchard management.

[0075] In one specific example, the deployment method also includes the following maintenance steps: when the soil sensor 7 is damaged, the protective box is removed from the soil, the cover of the protective box is opened, the damaged soil sensor 7 is disassembled and replaced with a new soil sensor 7, the cover is closed and the protective box is reinserted into the soil.

[0076] The specific steps for maintenance are as follows: When the data from a soil sensor 7 is abnormal (e.g., the value is outside the reasonable range, or there is no response for a long time), or when the data acquisition module identifies that a sensor at a certain address is not responding, it is determined that the sensor may be damaged and needs to be maintained.

[0077] First, remove the protective box from the soil. Due to the inclined design of the probe, simply pull the protective box upwards to automatically pull the probe out of the soil. The operation is simple and does not require extensive digging.

[0078] Next, open the cover on the top or side of the protective case. The cover is connected by threads, clips, or bolts. Use the appropriate tool (such as a wrench or screwdriver) to loosen the connector and remove the cover.

[0079] Next, based on the location of the faulty sensor, remove it. The sensor is secured to the inner wall of the protective box via a slot, screw, or quick connector. After loosening the fastener, remove the sensor from the protective box. Disconnect the sensor from the circuit; this can be done using a plug-in connector or screw terminals, making the operation simple.

[0080] Replace the sensor. Before opening the protective box, clean any soil adhering to the sides. Install the new sensor in its original position on the inner wall of the protective box, secure it firmly, and connect the circuit. The address of the new sensor should be consistent with that of the damaged sensor, or the address mapping should be reconfigured in the data acquisition module.

[0081] Finally, close the cover, ensuring a good seal. Reinsert the protective box into the original drilled hole, or if the hole has collapsed, re-drill and reinsert it. After insertion, test whether the sensor is working properly and whether the data acquisition module can read the data. Once confirmed to be correct, the maintenance is complete.

[0082] The entire maintenance process is simple and quick, requiring only the replacement of a single damaged sensor, rather than the entire protection box and all the sensors inside, which significantly reduces maintenance costs.

[0083] In summary, the environmental monitoring unit and its deployment method provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects: The design of the soil sensor and protective box allows for detachable connection, meaning that only the damaged sensor needs to be replaced, eliminating the need to replace the entire multi-layer sensor system. The needle-type sensor features an angled insertion design, with the probe tilted downwards at an angle of 30°-60° to the vertical. Deployment simply requires drilling a hole and inserting the probe directly into the protective box, ensuring full contact with the soil without extensive excavation. This minimizes damage to the fruit tree root system and protects the tree's growing environment. The angled design also facilitates easy removal and replacement, making maintenance simple and quick. Furthermore, by vertically stacking multiple protective boxes, the monitoring depth can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual needs of the orchard, meeting the diverse monitoring depth requirements of different fruit tree varieties and growth stages. The standardized modular design enables equipment universality, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the system's adaptability and scalability. The protective box effectively protects the internal sensors and connecting circuits, preventing direct exposure of wires to the soil, protecting against corrosion, mechanical damage, and agricultural operations, thus improving the system's reliability and stability. The system monitors air temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration above ground, and soil temperature, humidity, and electrical conductivity at different depths below ground, enabling comprehensive multi-parameter and multi-level monitoring of the orchard's internal environment. Combined with data analysis and intelligent early warning functions from a cloud platform, it provides comprehensive data support for precise orchard management, helping fruit growers make scientific decisions and improve fruit quality and yield.

[0084] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An environmental monitoring unit, characterized in that: Includes a protective box and a soil sensor installed inside the protective box; The soil sensor has a needle-type structure, with the probe extending outward through the protective box wall and tilting downward to monitor soil parameters. The soil sensor and the protective box are detachably connected.

2. The environmental monitoring unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective box is equipped with multiple soil sensors, which are distributed at different heights within the box.

3. The environmental monitoring unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soil sensor is used to monitor at least one of soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil electrical conductivity.

4. The environmental monitoring unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The probe is tilted downwards at an angle of 30°-60° to the vertical direction.

5. The environmental monitoring unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective box is a tubular, cylindrical, columnar, or rod-shaped structure; The protective box has an opening and a cover plate that is detachably connected to the protective box, through which the soil sensor is installed and removed.

6. The environmental monitoring unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes multiple protective boxes connected in sequence along a vertical direction.

7. The environmental monitoring unit according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: It also includes an above-ground portion, which includes a bracket, an air sensor mounted on the bracket, a power supply module, a data acquisition module, and a communication module mounted on the top of the bracket; The air sensor and the soil sensor are electrically connected to the data acquisition module; The communication module is electrically connected to the data acquisition module and is used to transmit data to the cloud platform.

8. The environmental monitoring unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the soil sensors has an independent address, and the data acquisition module collects data by polling according to the address.

9. A method for deploying an environmental monitoring unit, characterized in that, The environmental monitoring unit according to any one of claims 1-8 comprises: Drill holes in the ground; Depending on the required monitoring depth, the protective box is inserted into the borehole so that the probe of the soil sensor can be inserted into the soil, or multiple protective boxes can be stacked vertically and then inserted into the borehole as a whole.

10. The deployment method according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the soil sensor is damaged, remove the protective box from the soil, disassemble the damaged soil sensor and replace it with a new one, then reinsert the protective box into the soil.

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