Measuring device, system, and method for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil region

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil region (B) having a surface (O), the measuring device (1) comprising a support member (2) which has an upper part (3) provided for placement above the surface (O) and a lower part (4) provided for placement below the surface (O), at least one external sensor (5) arranged on the upper part (3), and a plurality of groups (G) of soil sensors (6) arranged on the lower part (4), said groups (G) being mutually spaced in the vertical direction (H) of the support body (2) in order to be positioned at different depths in the soil region (B), wherein at least one camera (7) which is designed to capture daytime and nighttime images is arranged on the upper part (3), and the external sensor (5), the soil sensors (6), and the camera (7) are connected to a controller (8) and to a data storage device (9).

Description

[0001] Measuring device, system and method for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil area

[0002] The invention relates to a measuring device for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil area having a surface, with a support body which has an upper part intended for arrangement above the surface and a lower part intended for arrangement below the surface, at least one external sensor arranged on the upper part and several groups of soil sensors arranged on the lower part, which groups are spaced from one another in a height direction of the support body for arrangement at different depths in the soil area.

[0003] The invention also relates to a system with the measuring device.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil area having a surface, wherein a support body of a measuring device having an upper part and a lower part is introduced into the soil area with the lower part, air and / or weather parameters are recorded with at least one external sensor arranged on the upper part and soil parameters at different depths in the soil area are recorded with a plurality of groups of soil sensors arranged on the lower part and spaced from one another in a height direction of the support body.

[0005] Farmers are often faced with the task of determining, through sequential testing and trials, which crop will be most productive in which field. Fertilization behavior also depends to a large extent on the farmer's experience. Any measurements required to aid decision-making often have to be laboriously performed manually and are usually performed at excessively long and irregular intervals.

[0006] Various measuring devices for monitoring an agriculturally usable area of ​​land are already known from the state of the art.

[0007] CN 109613625 A discloses a theft-proof meteorological monitoring station for agriculture comprising, among other things, a rain sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, a solar panel, a battery, a wireless transmission module, a processor, a camera and a reinforcement pile.

[0008] CN 205539537 U discloses a portable agricultural meteorological station that can prevent theft, with a tripod mount, solar panels, sensors for air temperature, humidity and air pressure, soil temperature and moisture, light intensity and precipitation, a control unit, a 4G wireless router, a camera, an infrared sensor, a GPS module and a speaker.

[0009] CN 207301379 U concerns an agricultural weather station with several air sensors mounted on a housing. The housing is arranged on a column designed as a telescopic tube. A soil moisture sensor and a soil pH sensor are provided at the base of the column.

[0010] CN 115452057 A discloses a pH sensor, soil temperature sensor and moisture sensor that can be inserted into an agricultural soil.

[0011] CN 110954161 A discloses a monitoring and management system for agriculture, comprising, among other things, a mounting frame, a soil sensor, a solar panel, a rain gauge, a high-resolution camera, and a main control box. The soil sensor is inserted into the soil.

[0012] WO 2022 / 037731 A1 relates to a measuring system comprising a body made of a biodegradable cellulose-based material. The body has an underground part and an above-ground part, with at least one sensor for detecting soil moisture and at least one sensor for detecting soil temperature at different soil depths printed on the underground part.

[0013] The CN 110471133 A concerns a geological measuring device for monitoring soil moisture due to precipitation, with a tubular body on which, among other things, a rain sensor, a moisture sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged.

[0014] US 2021 / 0123896 A1 concerns a device for remotely monitoring the quality and condition of grains stored in silos. The device can be configured as a sensor unit and has different sensors for different depths.

[0015] WO 2019 / 124828 A1 discloses a device for analyzing soil components, comprising a holding part held by a user and an insertion part extending vertically from the holding part and inserted into the soil. The insertion part has a plurality of sensor sections arranged along the vertical direction at a predetermined distance from one another.

[0016] The disadvantage of the known devices is that they only take into account some of the soil parameters, air parameters and environmental influences.

[0017] The object of the invention is to create a measuring device, a system and a method of the type mentioned at the beginning which avoid or at least reduce the disadvantages known from the prior art. The measuring device should be designed as cost-effectively as possible and provide the most comprehensive information possible about the air and ground conditions as well as about events affecting the ground area. In particular, the measuring device should be easy to set up on the ground and operate with the least possible expenditure of personnel and time. The system should simplify the storage and processing of the data obtained with the measuring device. Furthermore, the method should be as simple to carry out as possible.

[0018] For this purpose, the invention provides a measuring device as defined in claim 1, a system as defined in claim 12 and a method as defined in claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims. With regard to the measuring device for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil area having a surface, the invention provides that at least one camera designed for day and night recordings is arranged on the upper part and that the external sensor, the soil sensors and the camera are connected to a controller and a data memory. The measuring device thus serves to monitor an agriculturally usable soil area, in particular soil, which has a visible and walkable surface.An agriculturally usable soil area is understood to mean in particular a soil area suitable for useful plants, for example for fruit, vegetables, grain cultivation or wine cultivation, such as a field, a field or generally a cultivation area. For positioning the measuring device in relation to the soil area, the measuring device has a support body which has an upper part intended for arrangement above the surface and a lower part intended for arrangement below the surface, i.e. in the soil area. The support body can be understood as a receiving device to which components of the measuring device can be attached. To attach the support body in the soil area, the lower part can be inserted or introduced into the soil area.In order to be able to provide information about specific soil properties and air properties, the measuring device additionally has at least one external sensor arranged on the upper part and a plurality of groups of soil sensors arranged on the lower part. The at least one external sensor is designed to detect at least one air and / or weather parameter. In contrast, the soil sensors are designed to detect at least one soil parameter. The soil sensors are arranged in groups which are spaced apart from one another in a height direction of the support body for arrangement at different depths in the soil region. Thus, in a use state of the measuring device in which the measuring device is erected on the surface of the soil region and projects into the soil region with the lower part, each of the groups of soil sensors is arranged at a different depth in the soil region.The measuring device preferably has 2 to 10, more preferably 3 to 7, particularly preferably 5 groups of soil sensors. For this purpose, the groups of soil sensors are provided along the lower part, spaced from one another in the height direction of the support body. The height direction of the support body corresponds to the vertical direction when the measuring device is in use. Each of the groups of soil sensors has at least one soil sensor. The groups can have soil sensors for detecting different soil parameters and / or soil sensors for detecting the same soil parameters at different depths. In order to obtain comprehensive information about the soil area itself and about external influences that act on the soil area, in particular on plant growth in the soil area, at least one camera designed for day and night recordings is arranged on the upper part.The camera is designed to take individual images and / or record videos. In particular, the camera can be used to observe birds, wild animals and people, plant growth on the ground and in the vicinity of the ground, as well as weather influences such as water levels or snow depths on the surface. This eliminates the need for regular, for example daily, inspection trips by a farmer to the ground. In order to obtain a comprehensive overview with the at least one camera, an angular range around the support body that can be captured by the at least one camera can be essentially 360 degrees. In particular, a single camera with a recording angle of essentially 360 degrees can be provided. Alternatively, a plurality of cameras arranged in a distributed manner in the circumferential direction of the support body, each with a recording angle of less than 360 degrees, can jointly provide the recording angle of essentially 360 degrees.In order to be able to control the recording of the soil and air parameters as well as the monitoring of the surroundings of the soil area as required, the external sensor, the soil sensors and the camera are connected to a controller, wirelessly or wired. The controller preferably has a microprocessor. The controller can be designed to record the soil and air parameters and to record the images or videos at set, in particular adjustable, time intervals. However, the videos can also be recorded continuously. Furthermore, the external sensor, the soil sensors and the camera are connected to a data storage device, wirelessly or wired, in order to be able to save or temporarily store the recorded soil and air parameters as well as the images or videos taken with the camera for further use.The data storage device can be, for example, a memory card or a temporary or short-term memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit and the data storage device are preferably arranged on the support body. In addition to using the data acquired by the measuring device for the purpose of improving agriculture, the data can also be collected and processed for scientific purposes.

[0019] Using the measuring device, a field or arable land can be analyzed and characterized over a longer period of time, for example over months or years. The collected data can be used to determine which plants will be more or less productive in that field. This eliminates the need for long-term, sometimes unsuccessful, field trials with plants. Changes in soil parameters caused by environmental influences during plant growth can be detected using the measuring device. This means that more targeted measures can be taken during plant growth to promote growth. The camera can be used to detect and identify birds and wild animals in the area, and an overview of wild animal populations can be obtained. This forms a precise basis for fast and effective solutions to damage caused by wild animals.In the case of storm or wildlife damage, the recorded parameters, together with the camera's images or video recordings, can help process insurance claims more quickly and clearly. The camera can also detect unauthorized access.

[0020] When reference is made in the course of the description to location and direction specifications such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "side" or "height direction", these specifications refer to the intended use of the measuring device. The term "vertical" means in the direction of gravity, from "top" to "bottom", or vice versa. If the measuring device is to be used in a different position, the location and direction specifications must be transferred accordingly.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a motion detector is provided on the support body, which is connected to a trigger module of the camera. The motion detector is preferably designed to detect infrared light and visible light. Thus, the motion detector can be used to detect movements, for example of animals or people, preferably day and night, and, in the event of detected movement, the associated camera can be triggered to record images or videos. The motion detector is preferably connected to the trigger module of the camera via the control system, either wired or wirelessly.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be provided that the upper part has a first section having the at least one camera and a second section provided between the first section and the lower part, wherein the first section and the second section are connected to one another in a height-adjustable manner via a drive device, in particular an electric motor. In this way, the height of the camera can be adjusted in relation to the surface of the ground area. For example, the height of the camera can be adapted to the height of the plants surrounding the measuring device. In the event of flooding or snow, the camera can be raised above the water or snow level. The first section and the second section are preferably designed so that they can be moved relative to one another.Particularly preferably, the first section and the second section are designed as telescopic rods, wherein, in particular, a part of the second section is slidably received in the first section. If the drive device is designed as an electric motor, a gear can be provided for converting the rotary movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the first section.

[0023] If the at least one external sensor has at least one height sensor designed to detect a plant height and / or a snow height and / or a water level, manual measurement of the plant height, snow height and / or water level by a user of the measuring device can be dispensed with. In particular, the controller can be designed to enter the detected heights in the data memory. It is particularly advantageous if the controller is connected to the height sensor and the drive device and is designed to control the drive device to set a height of the camera in relation to a height detected by the height sensor. This enables automatic height adjustment of the camera controlled by the controller, depending on the measured values ​​of the height sensor.The controller can be configured to adjust the camera higher or lower than the detected height by a predetermined, in particular adjustable, height difference. Thus, the camera can move with the height of the plants, the height of a water surface, or the depth of snow. The connection between the controller and the height sensor and the drive device can be wireless or wired.

[0024] With regard to the recording of soil parameters, it can be provided that the groups of soil sensors each have at least one of a moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor for recording a pH value and a sensor for recording an electrical conductivity. If at least two groups have a moisture sensor, a change in the moisture at different depths in the soil area or a moisture gradient can be determined. In addition, conclusions can be drawn about the water permeability of the soil area and thus about soil compaction. By measuring the pH value, preferably at different depths in the soil area, fertilization processes can be improved and any weed content or proportion of unwanted plants can be determined.

[0025] With regard to the recording of air parameters, it can be provided that the at least one external sensor is designed to record at least one of the carbon dioxide content in the air, the carbon monoxide content in the air, the sulfur oxide content in the air, the ammonia content in the air, the nitrogen oxide content in the air, the air temperature, the air humidity, the air pressure, the amount of rain, the snow depth, the light intensity, the wind speed and the wind direction. The values ​​of these air parameters recorded by the external sensor, together with the values ​​of the soil parameters obtained by the soil sensors and the images recorded by the camera, can provide a basis for decisions for the cultivation of certain plants and for the care of the soil area. If the at least one external sensor has an inclination sensor and preferably a module for determining positions, in particular a GPS module, is arranged on the support body, a changing inclination of the support body can be detected.A change in inclination can, for example, occur if the support body is inadequately anchored in the ground and lead to unusable measurement results from the external sensor or the ground sensors or to unusable images from the camera. However, a change in inclination can also be an indication that the measuring device has been stolen, so the inclination sensor can also detect a theft. Landslides or similar events can also be detected in this way. If a module for determining positions, such as a GPS module, is arranged on the support body, the position of the measuring device can be determined not only in the event of a theft. In particular, the images from the camera and the measured values ​​from the external sensor and the ground sensors can be easily assigned to the geographical position of the measuring device.

[0026] In order to be able to easily record and further process the data obtained by the measuring device, it is advantageous if a mobile radio module connected to at least the external sensor, the ground sensors, the camera, and preferably to the position determination module is arranged on the upper part. This eliminates the need to manually retrieve the data contained, for example, on a memory card from the measuring device and to lay data cables to the measuring device. The mobile radio module is preferably also connected to the controller and / or the data storage device in order to be able to wirelessly control the measuring device and wirelessly transmit the data stored in the data storage device.

[0027] If a visual and / or acoustic bird deterrent device is arranged on the upper part, damage to the plants caused by birds can be reduced or prevented. Preferably, the visual and / or acoustic bird deterrent is triggered when birds are detected. The presence of birds can be detected, for example, by means of the camera. A lamp which emits a flashing light, for example, can be provided for the visual bird deterrent. The acoustic bird deterrent can be implemented by a loudspeaker. The visual and / or acoustic bird deterrent device can be connected to the control system wirelessly or by wire.

[0028] To supply the measuring device with electrical energy, a power supply device, in particular solar cells and a rechargeable battery connected thereto, can be arranged on the upper part. This eliminates the need for power cables for supplying electrical energy to the measuring device. The power supply device is preferably designed to supply the measuring device with energy continuously during a specified monitoring period, for example, over several months or over an entire year. To keep the solar cells free of any snow, the measuring device can have a heating device associated with the solar cells.

[0029] The measuring device can preferably be operated autonomously, i.e. independently of an external power supply, independently of an external control and independently of an external data storage device.

[0030] With regard to the system with the measuring device according to the preceding description, a data processing unit is provided which is connected to the measuring device via a mobile radio connection and is designed to process, store and / or output data received from the measuring device and preferably to transmit control instructions to the measuring device. The data processing unit of the system has a system controller and / or a system memory to which the measuring device is connected. Data, for example control instructions from the controller of the measuring device, can be transmitted from the data processing unit to the measuring device and stored in the data memory of the measuring device. Data from the measuring device, in particular from the external sensor, from the ground sensors, from the camera and / or from the data memory, can be stored and / or processed in the data processing unit.For example, the data processing unit can make suggestions for managing the ground area based on the data received. Preferably, the data processing unit can be designed to process data from the motion detector of the measuring device and, in the event of detected movement, instruct the measuring device to trigger the camera or to instruct the measuring device to drive the drive device depending on or independently of the data from the height sensor. The data processing unit can also be designed to output an alarm and / or position data of the measuring device or to enter a corresponding note in the system memory if the inclination sensor indicates a change in the inclination of the support body.Furthermore, the data processing unit can be configured to evaluate the camera data regarding unauthorized entry into the ground area or the detection of wild animals or birds. If one of these events occurs, it can trigger an alarm or record a corresponding note or the camera recordings in the system memory. The data processing unit can be implemented as a laptop or a smartphone and a software program stored thereon.

[0031] With regard to the method for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil area having a surface, the invention provides that images are taken with at least one camera arranged on the upper part and designed for day and night recording, and that the recording of the air and / or weather parameters and the soil parameters and the recording of the images is controlled by a controller. Taking pictures with the camera can, in the context of this description, also be understood to mean recording videos with the camera. According to the method, a support body of a measuring device having an upper part and a lower part is introduced into the soil area with the lower part. The introduction into the soil area can, for example, be carried out by hammering in, screwing in or by pre-drilling and insertion into the pre-drilled recess.The measuring device records air and / or weather parameters and soil parameters in the ground area to be monitored and the ground area is visually monitored. The air and / or weather parameters, hereinafter referred to as air parameters, are recorded using at least one external sensor arranged on the upper part. The ground parameters are recorded at different depths in the ground area using several groups of ground sensors arranged on the lower part and spaced apart from one another in the height direction of the support body. The depth to which the lower part is inserted into the ground area is therefore selected such that the ground sensors are arranged at the desired depth in the ground area. The air and soil parameters as well as the images taken with the camera are preferably recorded in daylight and in the dark. The measuring intervals or.The times for recording the air and soil parameters and for recording the images or videos with the camera are preferably set by a user of the measuring device. The recording of the air and soil parameters and the recording of the images or videos are controlled by a controller. The recorded air and soil parameters as well as the recorded images or videos are preferably stored in a data memory of the measuring device.

[0032] With regard to the features of the method, reference is also made to the preceding description of the measuring device and the system, insofar as this description is helpful for understanding the method and insofar as features of the method can be derived from this description of the measuring device and the system. Likewise, with regard to the features of the measuring device and the system, reference is made to the description of the method.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the image recordings are triggered by a motion detector arranged on the support body. The motion detector preferably detects movements on the surface of the floor area during the day and at night. The measurement results of the motion detector are preferably transmitted to the controller and from there to a trigger module of the camera.

[0034] If the parameters recorded by the external sensor and the ground sensors and the images captured by the camera are transmitted to a data processing unit via a mobile radio module located on the upper part, the recorded parameters and images can be processed in the data processing unit, which is preferably located externally to the measuring device. This allows the complexity and thus the cost of the measuring device to be kept low. Furthermore, a large number of measuring devices can be connected to a single data processing unit.

[0035] It is particularly advantageous if the parameters recorded by the outdoor sensor and the soil sensors and the images captured by the camera are correlated together in the data processing unit with the suitability of the soil area for selected plants and / or with fertilization processes and / or with weather influences and / or with the influence of wild animals captured by the camera. Thus, the air parameters, soil parameters, and images can together form a basis for decisions regarding soil management or protective measures against damage caused by wild animals.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be provided that a first section of the upper part having the at least one camera is adjusted in height with respect to a second section of the upper part provided between the first section and the lower part by a drive device connected to the controller with respect to a plant height and / or snow height and / or water level height detected by a height sensor arranged on the upper part. The plant height and / or snow height and / or water level height can therefore be detected with the height sensor and the height of the camera above the surface of the ground area can be adjusted depending on the height detected by the height sensor. For example, the camera can be raised or lowered by the same, a smaller or a larger amount than the amount by which the plant height, a snow height or a water level height increases or decreases.Preferably, the drive device displaces the first section with respect to the second section.

[0037] To monitor the soil area, it is advantageous if at least one of a moisture value, a temperature value, a pH value and an electrical conductivity is recorded as a soil parameter using the groups of soil sensors. In order to be able to determine the influences of air parameters and the weather on the soil area, it is also advantageous if at least one of the carbon dioxide content in the air, the carbon monoxide content in the air, the sulfur oxide content in the air, the ammonia content in the air, the nitrogen oxide content in the air, the air temperature, the air humidity, the air pressure, the amount of rainfall, the snow depth, the light intensity, the wind speed and the wind direction is recorded as air and / or weather parameters using the at least one external sensor.

[0038] In order to detect inadequate anchoring of the support body in the floor area or theft of the measuring device, it can be provided that an inclination angle of the support body is detected using an inclination sensor arranged on the support body, compared in the control system with a limit value of the inclination angle, and an alarm is generated if the inclination angle exceeds the limit value. The alarm is preferably output on a display device and / or via a loudspeaker of the data processing unit or transmitted to a remote control center.

[0039] To assign the information obtained from the external sensor, the ground sensors, and the camera to the respective measuring device, the position of the support body is preferably recorded using a position-determination module, in particular a GPS module, and position data corresponding to the position is transmitted to the data processing unit. This is particularly advantageous when a large number of measuring devices are operated simultaneously.

[0040] In order to be able to find or track a tilted or stolen support body particularly quickly, it is advantageous if the position data are transmitted to the data processing unit as soon as the angle of inclination exceeds the limit value of the angle of inclination.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be provided that the motion detector and / or the camera detects birds above the ground level, and then a device arranged on the upper part for visual and / or acoustic bird deterrent is activated. Preferably, the data received from the motion detector and / or the camera is transmitted to the control system, which decides whether to activate the bird deterrent device and carries out the activation if necessary. For example, the control system can determine the number of birds in a surveillance area from the camera images and activate the bird deterrent device if a limit for the number of birds is exceeded.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous if at least two groups of soil sensors each record a moisture value, and the rainwater permeability of the soil area is determined from the recorded moisture values. The recorded moisture values ​​are preferably transmitted to the control system, which can determine the rainwater permeability.

[0043] The invention will be further explained below using preferred, non-limiting embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a measuring device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0045] Fig. 2 shows the measuring device according to Fig. 1 in a side view; and

[0046] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a system with the measuring device according to Fig. 1.

[0047] It should be noted that Figures 1 to 3 are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0048] 1 and 2 show a measuring device 1 for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil region B having a surface 0, in a state of intended use. The measuring device 1 has a support body 2 which has an upper part 3 intended for arrangement above the surface 0 and a lower part 4 intended for arrangement below the surface 0. In the example shown, the support body 2 is designed as a rod, with the lower part 4 already inserted into the soil region B. At least one external sensor 5 of the measuring device 1 is arranged on the upper part 3. In Figs. 1 and 2, a plurality of external sensors 5 are shown as examples. Of course, the number of external sensors 5 mounted on the upper part 3 can differ from the number shown. In addition, a plurality of groups G of soil sensors 6 of the measuring device 1 are arranged on the lower part 4.The groups G are spaced from one another in a height direction H of the support body 2 for arrangement at different depths T in the base region B. In the example according to Figures 1 and 2, 5 groups G are provided, each group G being arranged at a different depth T. For example, a first group G, G1 is inserted into the base region B at a depth T of 2 to 7 cm, preferably 5 cm, a second group G, G2 at a depth T of 15 to 25 cm, preferably 20 cm, a third group G, G3 at a depth T of 30 to 40 cm, preferably 33 cm, a fourth group G, G4 at a depth T of 50 to 60 cm, preferably 55 cm, and a fifth group G, G5 at a depth T of 80 to 100 cm, preferably 90 cm. The groups G of base sensors 6 can have a different number and / or a different type of base sensors 6. Preferably, however, at least two groups G have the same number of identical ground sensors 6. In the example according to Fig.1 and 2, each group G has 2 soil sensors 6. However, more or fewer than 2 soil sensors 6 can also be provided per group G. In addition, the soil sensors 6 belonging to a group G do not have to be spaced apart from one another in the height direction H as in Figs. 1 and 2, but can be arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction U of the lower part 4. Preferably, the groups G of soil sensors 6 each have at least one of a moisture sensor 6a, a temperature sensor 6b, a sensor 6c for detecting a pH value and a sensor 6d for detecting an electrical conductivity. In order to obtain comprehensive information about the area above and below the surface 0, at least one camera 7 designed for day and night recording is arranged on the upper part 3 and the external sensor 5, the ground sensors 6 and the camera 7 are connected to a controller 8 of the measuring device 1 and to a data memory 9 of the measuring device 1.The controller 8 and the data memory 9 are shown in Fig. 3.

[0049] Figs. 1 and 2 also show a motion detector 10 provided on the support body 2, which is connected to a trigger module 11 of the camera 7. Thus, the camera 7 can be triggered when the motion detector 10 detects movement.

[0050] 1 and 2 further show that the upper part 3 has a first section 12 having the at least one camera 7 and a second section 13 provided between the first section 12 and the lower part 4. The first section 12 and the second section 13 are connected to one another in a height-adjustable manner via a drive device 14, in particular an electric motor 14a, which is only symbolically shown. In particular, the second section 13 can be displaceably received in the first section 12, with the displacement being effected by the drive device 14. Of course, other designs for displacing or adjusting the first section 12 with respect to the second section 13 are also possible. In Figs. 1 and 2, the support body 2 is shown in the almost completely retracted, i.e. almost shortest or lowest state.

[0051] In the examples shown, the at least one external sensor 5 has at least one height sensor 5a designed to detect a plant height and / or a snow height and / or a water level. The height of the camera 7 can thus be adjusted in relation to a height detected by the height sensor 5a. The at least one external sensor 5 can also, as in the examples shown, have an inclination sensor 5b, with which a deviation of the inclination of the measuring device 1 or of the support body 2 from a intended inclination in the state of use of the measuring device 1, in particular from an orientation of the support body 2 in the direction of gravity, can be detected. In addition, a module 15 for determining the position, in particular a GPS module 15a, can be arranged on the support body 2.

[0052] A mobile radio module 16, which is not shown in Figs. 1 and 2, can also be arranged on the upper part 3 and is connected at least to the at least one external sensor 5, the ground sensors 6, the camera 7 and preferably to the module 15 for position determination. An antenna 23 can be connected to the mobile radio module 16. With the mobile radio module 16, for example, measurement data from the external sensor 5 and the ground sensors 6 or images or videos taken with the camera 7 as well as data stored in the data memory 9 can be transmitted to a data processing unit 22.

[0053] Also shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is a device 17 for visual and / or acoustic bird deterrent arranged on the upper part 3. The device 17 can be connected to the motion detector 10 and / or the camera 7. The controller 8 can activate the bird deterrent device 17 when movements, for example of animals or people, are detected by the motion detector 10 and / or the camera 7.

[0054] An energy supply device 18 can also be arranged on the upper part 3, of which solar cells 19 can be seen on a surface 24 of a rain collector 25 in Fig. 1.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a system 21 with the measuring device 1 and a data processing unit 22 connected to the measuring device 1 via a mobile radio connection M. The data processing unit 22 has a system controller 26 and / or a system memory 27 and is designed to process data received from the measuring device 1 with the system controller 26 and / or to store it in the system memory 27 and / or to output it via a screen and preferably to transmit control instructions to the measuring device 1. The data processing unit 22 can be, for example, a computer, a laptop or a smartphone.

[0056] The at least one external sensor 5 of the measuring device 1 and the plurality of groups G of soil sensors 6 are connected to the controller 8 and the data memory 9. In addition, the camera 7 designed for day and night recordings is connected to the controller 8 and the data memory 9. In the example according to Fig. 3, 5 groups G, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 are shown, each with 4 soil sensors 6. Each of the groups G of soil sensors 6 preferably has at least one of a moisture sensor 6a, a temperature sensor 6b, a sensor 6c for detecting a pH value and a sensor 6d for detecting an electrical conductivity. The at least one external sensor 5 is designed to detect at least one of carbon dioxide content in air, carbon monoxide content in air, sulfur oxide content in air, ammonia content in air, nitrogen oxide content in air, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, amount of rain, snow depth, light intensity, wind speed and wind direction.Both the external sensor 5 and the ground sensors 6 transmit their measurement data to the controller 8 as shown in Fig. 3. The controller 8 can store the measurement data in the data memory 9 and / or transmit it to the data processing unit 22 via the mobile radio module 16, to which the controller 8 is connected.

[0057] The motion detector 10 is preferably connected via the controller 8 to the trigger module 11 of the camera 7 in order to trigger the camera 7 depending on a movement in the environment.

[0058] The drive device 14, or the electric motor 14a, which connects the first section 12 of the upper part 3 to the second section 13 of the upper part 3 in a height-adjustable manner, can be instructed by the controller 8 to change the height of the first section 12. Preferably, the drive device 14 can also send feedback on the current position of the first section 12 relative to the second section 13 to the controller 8.

[0059] The at least one height sensor 5a, which can be the external sensor 5 or one of the external sensors 5, is shown separately from the external sensor 5 in Fig. 3 for the sake of clarity. The at least one height sensor 5a is designed to detect a plant height and / or a snow height and / or a water level, is connected to the controller 8 according to Fig. 3, and preferably forwards the measured data to the controller 8. In the example according to Fig. 3, the controller 8 is also connected to the drive device 14, so that the controller 8 can control the drive device 14 to set a height of the camera 7 depending on the height detected by the height sensor 5a.

[0060] The exemplary inclination sensor 5b, which can be the external sensor 5 or one of the external sensors 5, is also shown separately from the external sensor 5 in Fig. 3 for the sake of clarity. The inclination sensor 5b can detect an inclination, in particular a deviation from a vertical direction, of the support body 2 and transmit it to the controller 8 connected to the inclination sensor 5b. The exemplary module 15 for determining the position, which can be a GPS module 15a, can also be connected to the controller 8 and transmit position data to the controller 8, in particular when the inclination of the support body 2 exceeds an inclination limit value.

[0061] The height sensor 5a and the inclination sensor 5b can also receive measurement intervals in which measurement data are to be generated from the controller 8.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, any of the sensors of the measuring device 1 can receive specifications from the controller 8 for measurement intervals at which measurement data are to be delivered. The camera 7 can receive instructions for image or video recording from the controller 8. The device 17 for visual and / or acoustic bird deterrents can also be activated by the controller 8 to emit a visual and / or acoustic signal and deactivated to emit no signal.

[0063] Preferably, all sensors of the measuring device 1 and the camera 7 are connected to the controller 8 and further preferably connected via the controller 8 to the mobile radio module 16.

[0064] The energy supply device 18 symbolically shown in Fig. 3 can, for example, have solar cells 19 and a rechargeable battery 20 connected thereto and supply the components of the measuring device 1 with electrical energy.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Measuring device (1) for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil region (B) having a surface (0), with a support body (2) which has an upper part (3) intended for arrangement above the surface (0) and a lower part (4) intended for arrangement below the surface (0), at least one external sensor (5) arranged on the upper part (3) and a plurality of groups (G) of soil sensors (6) arranged on the lower part (4), which groups (G) are spaced from one another in a height direction (H) of the support body (2) for arrangement at different depths in the soil region (B), characterized in that at least one camera (7) designed for day and night recordings is arranged on the upper part (3), and the external sensor (5), the soil sensors (6), and the camera (7) are connected to a controller (8) and a data memory (9).

2. Measuring device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a motion detector (10) is provided on the support body (2), which is connected to a trigger module (11) of the camera (7).

3. Measuring device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper part (3) has a first section (12) having the at least one camera (7) and a second section (13) provided between the first section (12) and the lower part (4), wherein the first section (12) and the second section (13) are connected to one another in a height-adjustable manner via a drive device (14), in particular an electric motor (14a).

4. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one external sensor (5) has at least one height sensor (5a) designed to detect a plant height and / or a snow height and / or a water level height.

5. Measuring device (1) according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that the control (8) is connected to the height sensor (5a) and the drive device (14) and is designed to Drive device (14) for adjusting a height of the camera (7) in relation to a height detected by the height sensor (5a).

6. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the groups (G) of soil sensors (6) each have at least one of a moisture sensor (6a), a temperature sensor (6b), a sensor (6c) for detecting a pH value and a sensor (6d) for detecting an electrical conductivity.

7. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one external sensor (5) is designed to detect at least one of carbon dioxide content in air, carbon monoxide content in air, sulfur oxide content in air, ammonia content in air, nitrogen oxide content in air, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, amount of rain, snow depth, light intensity, wind speed and wind direction.

8. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one external sensor (5) has an inclination sensor (5b) and preferably a module (15) for determining the position, in particular a GPS module (15a), is arranged on the support body (2).

9. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a sensor (2) connected at least to the external sensor (5), the ground sensors (6), the camera (7) and preferably to the Module (15) for determining position connected mobile radio module (16) is arranged on the upper part (3).

10. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a device (17) for visual and / or acoustic bird deterrent is arranged on the upper part (3).

11. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an energy supply device (18), in particular solar cells (19) and a connected rechargeable battery (20) is arranged on the upper part (3).

12. System (21) with the measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a data processing unit (22) connected to the measuring device (1) via a mobile radio connection, which is designed to process, store and / or output data received from the measuring device (1) and preferably to transmit control instructions to the measuring device (1).

13. A method for monitoring an agriculturally usable soil region (B) having a surface (0), wherein a support body (2) of a measuring device (1) having an upper part (3) and a lower part (4) is introduced into the soil region (B) with the lower part (4), air and / or weather parameters are recorded using at least one external sensor (5) arranged on the upper part (3), and soil parameters at different depths in the soil region (B) are recorded using a plurality of groups (G) of soil sensors (6) arranged on the lower part (4) and spaced apart from one another in a height direction (H) of the support body (2), characterized in that images are recorded using at least one camera (7) arranged on the upper part (3) and designed for day and night recording, and the recording of the air and / or weather parameters and the soil parameters and the recording of the images is controlled by a controller (8).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the image recordings are triggered by a motion detector (10) arranged on the support body (2).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the parameters detected by the external sensor (5) and the ground sensors (6) and the images taken by the camera (7) are transmitted to a data processing unit (22) via a mobile radio module (16) arranged on the upper part (3).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the parameters detected by the external sensor (5) and the ground sensors (6) and the images taken by the camera (7) are be correlated jointly in the data processing unit (22) with a suitability of the soil area (B) for selected plants and / or with fertilization processes and / or with weather influences and / or with an influence of wild animals recorded by the camera (7).

17. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that a first section (12) of the upper part (3) having the at least one camera (7) is adjusted in height with respect to a second section (13) of the upper part (3) provided between the first section (12) and the lower part (4) by a drive device (14) connected to the controller (8) with respect to a plant height and / or snow height and / or water level height detected by a height sensor (5a) arranged on the upper part (3).

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that with the groups (G) of soil sensors (6) at least one of a moisture value, a temperature value, a pH value and an electrical conductivity is detected as a soil parameter.

19. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that with the at least one external sensor (5) at least one of carbon dioxide content in air, carbon monoxide content in air, sulfur oxide content in air, ammonia content in air, nitrogen oxide content in air, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, amount of rain, snow depth, light intensity, wind speed and wind direction is detected as air and / or weather parameters.

20. Method according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that an inclination angle of the support body (2) is detected by an inclination sensor (5b) arranged on the support body (2), compared in the controller (8) with a limit value of the inclination angle and an alarm is generated if the inclination angle exceeds the limit value.

21. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that with a module (15) for position determination, in particular a GPS module (15a), the position of the support body (2) is detected and position data corresponding to the position are transmitted to the data processing unit (22).

22. Method according to claim 20 and 21, characterized in that the position data are transmitted to the data processing unit (22) when the angle of inclination exceeds the limit value of the angle of inclination.

23. Method according to one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that birds above the ground area (B) are detected with the motion detector (10) and / or the camera (7) and then a device (17) arranged on the upper part (3) for visual and / or acoustic bird deterrent is activated.

24. Method according to one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that a moisture value is detected by at least two groups (G) of soil sensors (6) and a rainwater permeability of the soil area is determined from the detected moisture values.

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