Systems and methods for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample and self-cleaning soil extraction techniques

Abstract

There are provided techniques for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil. The method includes positioning the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel. The sealable vessel includes a first filter at its bottom portion, to support the soil sample. The method also includes mixing the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution, extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber by a fluidic circuit and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution by a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit. Self-cleaning soil extraction techniques are also provided.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING A FILTERED SOIL SOLUTION FROM A SOIL SAMPLE AND SELF-CLEANING SOIL EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The technical field relates to processing a soil sample, and more particularly concerns systems and methods for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil. The technical field also relates to methods and systems for measuring an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil, and more particularly concerns cleaning methods and systems for equipment used for such measurements.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Nitrate pollution or contamination is a serious environmental problem which may have several negative consequences on human existence or daily activities. The excess of nitrogen in air and water can be associated with human’s agricultural activities. However, estimating the concentration of nitrate present in our environment remains challenging. Indeed, one of the significant challenges in obtaining the necessary soil data is the time-consuming and labor-intensive process involved with typical soil analysis laboratories. In many existing solutions, nitrates are extracted from the soil using a salt-based solution, often potassium chloride (KC1). The soil and extractant are usually mixed and agitated for 30 to 60 minutes. These extraction methods are thus impractical for in-field analysis due to the chemicals required and the lengthy extraction time. Existing solutions also suffer from a lack of precision, reliability, and efficiency.

[0006] There is thus a need for a system, device, as well as methods that address or alleviate at least some of the challenges presented above.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil. The method includes providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel comprising a first filter at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the first filter, mixing the soil sample with a liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution, collecting the prefiltered soil solution in a collection chamber of the sealable vessel, extracting at least a portion of the prefiltered soil solution from the collection chamber with a fluidic circuit and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution with a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit. In some embodiments, the method further includes securing a sealing housing to an opening of the sealable vessel before mixing the soil sample with the liquid within the mixing chamber, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

[0010] In some embodiments, the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the first filter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the first filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

[0013] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes, upon mixing the soil sample with the liquid, continuously adjusting a direction of the directional liquid stream to follow an ellipsoidal pattern around an apex of the conical shape.

[0015] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream follows the ellipsoidal pattern in a clockwise rotation or an anti -clockwise rotation.

[0016] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is continuous.

[0017] In some embodiments, the reservoir is housed in the sealing housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes, subsequent to positioning the soil sample in the mixing chamber, sealing the sealing housing to the sealable vessel at an opening thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution. In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration includes directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

[0020] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound comprises determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further includes further comprising measuring a weight of the soil sample prior and after the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid, wherein mixing the soil sample with liquid comprises obtaining a mass ratio between the liquid and the soil sample between 0.4: 1 and 10: 1.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first filter and / or the second filter comprises a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second filter is a tangential flow filter.

[0024] In some embodiments, the liquid is water.

[0025] In some embodiments, the liquid is an aqueous solution.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first filter is configured to remove at least a portion of macroscopic components contained in the soil slurry.

[0027] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method for determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil. The method includes producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil by providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel comprising a first filter at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the first filter, mixing the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution, collecting the pre-filtered soil solution within a collection chamber of the sealable vessel, extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber by a fluidic circuit and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution by a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit. The method also includes determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further includes, subsequent to providing the soil sample in the mixing chamber of the sealable vessel, securing a sealing housing to an opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

[0030] In some embodiments, the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the first filter.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the first filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

[0032] In some embodiments, the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

[0033] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes, upon mixing the soil sample with the liquid, continuously adjusting a direction of the directional liquid stream to follow an ellipsoidal pattern around an apex of the conical shape.

[0035] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream follows the ellipsoidal pattern in a clockwise rotation or an anti -clockwise rotation.

[0036] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is continuous.

[0037] In some embodiments, the reservoir is housed in the sealing housing.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further includes, subsequent to positioning the soil sample in the mixing chamber, sealing the sealing housing to the sealable vessel at an opening thereof. In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration includes directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

[0039] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound comprises determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further includes measuring a weight of the soil sample prior and after the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid, wherein mixing the soil sample with liquid comprises obtaining a mass ratio between the liquid and the soil sample between 0.4: 1 and 10: 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first filter and / or the second filter comprises a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second filter is a tangential flow filter.

[0043] In some embodiments, the liquid is water.

[0044] In some embodiments, the liquid is an aqueous solution.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first filter is configured to remove at least a portion of macroscopic components contained in the soil slurry.

[0046] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a system for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil. The system includes a sealable vessel having an opening allowing a passage of the soil sample. The sealable vessel includes a mixing chamber configured to hold the soil sample and a collection chamber located below the mixing chamber. The system also includes a first filter positioned at a bottom portion of the mixing chamber and separating the mixing chamber from the collection chamber, the soil sample being positioned on the first filter, a sealing housing connectable to the opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle fluidly connected to a reservoir containing a liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir, in the mixing chamber and onto the soil sample to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution in the collection chamber, a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber and a second filter configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit and filter the pre-filtered soil solution to obtain the filtered soil slurry.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system further includes a load cell configured to measure a weight of the soil sample prior and after the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir until a mass ratio between the liquid and the soil sample is between 0.4: 1 and 10: 1.

[0048] In some embodiments, the system further includes a sealing housing configured to be secured to an opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

[0050] In some embodiments, the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the first filter.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the first filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

[0053] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nozzle is configured to continuously adjust a direction of the directional liquid stream to follow an ellipsoidal pattern around an apex of the conical shape.

[0055] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream follows the ellipsoidal pattern in a clockwise rotation or an anti -clockwise rotation. In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is continuous.

[0056] In some embodiments, the reservoir is housed in the sealing housing.

[0057] In some embodiments, the system further includes a measurement device configured to determine an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

[0058] In some embodiments, the fluidic circuit is configured to direct a flow of the filtered soil solution to the measurement device and the measurement device is configured to determine the ionic concentration based on the received filtered soil solution.

[0059] In some embodiments, the measurement device is configured to determine a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first filter and / or the second filter comprises a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second filter is a tangential flow filter.

[0062] In some embodiments, the liquid is water.

[0063] In some embodiments, the liquid is an aqueous solution.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first filter is configured to remove at least a portion of macroscopic components contained in the soil slurry.

[0065] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the method including: providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel including a filter releasably engageable with the mixing chamber at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a prefiltered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution in a collection chamber of the sealable vessel; extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber with a fluidic circuit; filtering the pre-filtered soil solution with a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; and cleaning the mixing chamber by disengaging the filter from the mixing chamber with at least one actuator and injecting a high-pressure fluid to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber, before reengaging the filter with the mixing chamber with said at least one actuator.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method further includes securing a sealing housing to an opening of the sealable vessel before mixing the soil sample with the liquid within the mixing chamber, the sealing housing including a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

[0067] In some embodiments, the filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

[0068] In some embodiments, the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the filter.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

[0070] In some embodiments, the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

[0071] In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

[0073] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration includes: directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device; and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

[0074] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound includes determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0075] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method for determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil, the method including: producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil by: providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel including a filter releasably engageable with the mixing chamber at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution within a collection chamber of the sealable vessel; extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber by a fluidic circuit; and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution by a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution; and cleaning the mixing chamber by disengaging the filter from the mixing chamber with at least one actuator and injecting a high- pressure fluid to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber, before reengaging the filter with the mixing chamber with said at least one actuator.

[0076] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration includes: directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device; and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

[0077] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound includes determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a system for producing a fdtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the system including: a sealable vessel having an opening allowing a passage of the soil sample, the sealable vessel including: a mixing chamber configured to hold the soil sample; and a collection chamber located below the mixing chamber; a filter releasably engageable with a bottom portion of the mixing chamber and separating the mixing chamber from the collection chamber, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; a sealing housing connectable to the opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing including a nozzle fluidly connected to a reservoir containing a liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir, in the mixing chamber and onto the soil sample to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution in the collection chamber; a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber; a second filter configured to: receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; and filter the pre-filtered soil solution to obtain the filtered soil solution; a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber; and at least one actuator configured to: disengage the filter from the mixing chamber before injection of a high-pressure fluid in the mixing chamber to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber; and reengage the filter with the mixing chamber after the discharge of the remaining solid portion.

[0078] In some embodiments, the system further includes a measurement device configured to determine an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fluidic circuit is configured to direct a flow of the filtered soil solution to the measurement device; and the measurement device is configured to determine the ionic concentration based on the received filtered soil solution.

[0080] In some embodiments, the measurement device is configured to determine a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0081] There is provided a method for continuously determining a concentration of a target compound in a solution, the method comprising obtaining a signal representative of at least one optical property of the solution while continuously circulating the solution in a filtration loop, said at least one optical property being associated with the target compound; and filtering the solution in the filtration loop to remove an unwanted feature present in the signal.

[0082] Other features and advantages of the present description will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil, in accordance with some implementations of the present technology.

[0085] Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing a method for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, in accordance with some implementations of the present technology.

[0086] Figure 3 is a cross section of a vessel of the system of Figure 1, in accordance with some implementations of the present technology.

[0087] Figures 4A-B are pictures of the vessel of Figure 3, in an open configuration and a closed configuration, respectively.

[0088] Figures 5A-B are cross sections of the vessel of the system of Figure 1 with a soil sample positioned therein and a soil slurry produced from the soil sample, respectively.

[0089] Figure 6 is a cross section of a bottom portion of the vessel of the system of Figure 1 and a filter disposed therein, in accordance with some implementations of the present technology.

[0090] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a fluidic circuit of the system of Figure 1, in accordance with some implementations of the present technology.

[0091] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a controller of the system of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0092] Figures 9 and 10 are charts showing experimental results obtained with the system of Figure 1.

[0093] Figure 11 is a front view of a system for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 12A is a front view of the system of Figure 11, indicating dimensions of the system in inches.

[0094] Figure 12B is a side view of the system of Figure 11, indicating dimensions of the system in inches.

[0095] Figure 13A illustrates the system of Figure 11 in a closed configuration. Figure 13B illustrates the system of Figure 11 in an open configuration.

[0096] Figure 14A shows some of the steps of a cleaning method for a system for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 14B shows other steps of the cleaning method, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0097] Figure 15 is a half-section front view of a portion of the system of Figure 11.

[0098] Figure 16 is a half-section front view of the system of Figure 11.

[0099] Figure 17 is a half-section front view of a portion of the system of Figure 11.

[0100] Figures 18A-B are pictures of one embodiment of a system for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the system holding water in a mixing chamber (Figure 18A), and the system holding expelled water in a collection chamber (Figure 18B).

[0101] Figure 19 is a picture illustrating components and features of the system of Figure 11.

[0102] Figures 20 and 21 are diagrams representing a system for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0103] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals, and, to not unduly encumber the figures, some elements may not be indicated on some figures if they were already identified in one or more preceding figures. It should also be understood herein that the elements of the drawings are not necessarily depicted to scale, since emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the elements and structures of the present embodiments.

[0105] The terms “a”, “an” and “one” are defined herein to mean “at least one”, that is, these terms do not exclude a plural number of elements, unless stated otherwise. It should also be noted that terms such as “substantially”, “generally” and “about”, that modify a value, condition, or characteristic of a feature of an exemplary embodiment, should be understood to mean that the value, condition or characteristic is defined within tolerances that are acceptable for the proper operation of this exemplary embodiment for its intended application.

[0106] In the present description, the terms “connected”, “coupled”, and variants and derivatives thereof, refer to any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements. The connection or coupling between the elements may be acoustical, mechanical, physical, optical, operational, electrical, wireless, or a combination thereof.

[0107] In the present description, the expression “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partly on”, that is, this expression can mean “based solely on” or “based partially on”, and so should not be interpreted in a limited manner. More particularly, the expression “based on” could also be understood as meaning “depending on”, “representative of’, “indicative of’, “associated with” or similar expressions.

[0108] In the present description, the terms “light” and “optical”, and variants and derivatives thereof, are used to refer to radiation in any appropriate region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The terms “light” and “optical” are therefore not limited to visible light, but can also include, without being limited to, the infrared and ultraviolet regions. For example, in some implementations, the present techniques can be used with electromagnetic signals having wavelengths ranging from about 250 nm to 1 pm, and, for example, between 200 nm and 300 nm. However, this range is provided for illustrative purposes only and some implementations of the present techniques may operate outside this range. Also, the skilled person will appreciate that the definition of the ultraviolet, visible and infrared ranges in terms of spectral ranges, as well as the dividing lines between them, can vary depending on the technical field or the definitions under consideration, and are not meant to limit the scope of applications of the present techniques.

[0109] It will be appreciated that positional descriptors indicating the position or orientation of one element with respect to another element are used herein for ease and clarity of description and should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures, and should not be considered limiting. It will be understood that spatially relative terms (e.g, “outer” and “inner”, “outside” and “inside” and “top” and “bottom”) are intended to encompass different positions and orientations in use or operation of the present embodiments, in addition to the positions and orientations exemplified in the figures.

[0110] The term “field” is herein used to refer to a region of land where trees, plants, crops and the like usually grow. The term “soil” is herein used for qualifying the underground area beneath the surface of the field, which may include the surface or a portion thereof. It should be noted that the expressions “trees”, “plants”, “crops”, synonyms and derivatives thereof may encompass a broad variety of organisms and should not be considered limitative. Nonlimitative examples of trees, plants or crops may include seedlings, ornamental crops, ornamental plants, plugs, liners, fruits, small fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, herbs, young plants, high-value crops, perennial plants, annual plants, biennial plants, grain, grass, cereal, and many others. The trees, plants or crops may be produced for human food, non-human food, or non-food applications. Of note, the present techniques may be used to characterize different substrates such as, for example and without being limitative: compost, manure, food, and / or plants. The techniques can also be useful for characterizing slurries, purees, liquids or suspensions, for example: compost, manure, fruit or vegetable purees or juices, wine, alcohol, milk, and many others. Of course, these examples are nonlimitative and serve an illustrative purpose only.

[0111] Environmental sustainability has become a challenge at a relatively small scale and at a relatively large scale in agriculture and, in response, recent efforts aim at reducing pollution stemming from agricultural activities. One aspect of this challenge is associated with nitrogen pollution, which is sometimes caused by the overapplication of nitrogen-based fertilizers or similar products. Increasing the quality and / or quantity of soil data could potentially help mitigating, reducing, or even eliminating the overuse of these products. Using nitrogen-based fertilizers and / or similar products according to the “4R principles” (i.e., using the right product at the right time at the right rate, at the right place) could potentially help achieving this objective. Maximizing plant-available nitrogen and minimizing waste can potentially be beneficial for the environment, and also for the agricultural community.

[0112] Examples of limitation in acquiring appropriate, sufficient, or required soil data include labor shortage and delays associated with traditional soil analysis measurements, which are often performed in laboratories (z. e. , not on-site) . These limitations have motivated the research and development of in-field or on-site soil measurement techniques, including methods and systems of concentration levels of nitrogen and / or other nutrients. A nonlimitative example of an area of interest in this technical domain is the in-field nitrate analysis, mostly because nitrate is the most plant-available form of nitrogen and is extremely important in predicting crop needs and understanding field dynamics.

[0113] Existing solutions typically rely on the extraction of nitrates from a soil sample with a salt-based solution such as, for example and without being limitative, potassium chloride (KC1). According to this approach, the soil sample and the extractant are typically mixed together for about 30 to about 60 minutes using, for example, known agitation mixing processes. These extraction methods are typically not suitable for in-field analyses, because of the use of chemicals, and the relatively long extraction time.

[0114] The present disclosure broadly relates to techniques, including methods and systems, for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil. The filtered soil solution may be subsequently used for measuring, determining, estimating, or measuring an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the soil. The techniques herein described may be suited, for example and without being limitative, to determine a concentration level of nitrate in the soil. Nitrate (NO3-) is a form of inorganic nitrogen (N) present in the soil that may become problematic when its concentration level becomes too high or above a given threshold, because of its negative or undesirable environmental impacts. The techniques that will be described allow for quick, efficient, reliable, precise, in situ production of a filtered soil solution, and real-time or near real-time measurements of the ionic concentration of the soil. Of note, obtaining precise measurements of the ionic concentration of soil is typically considered challenging, as the concentration level of some ions, such as nitrates, may be relatively low and the volatility of the nitrate ion in the soil may be relatively high. In some implementations, the concentration of nitrates may be about 1 part per million (ppm) to about 50 ppm in a sample, which means that the desired minimum detectable variation in concentration should lie in the range extending from about Ippm to about 5ppm. In other implementations, the concentration of nitrates may be about 10 parts per million (ppm) to about 50 parts per million in a sample, which means that the desired minimum detectable variation in concentration should lie in the range extending from about 5 ppm to about 10 ppm. The concentration of nitrates may sometimes be as low as about 0 ppm or 1 ppm. The present techniques allow production of a fdtered soil solution that can be used for such precise measurements. In some implementations, the techniques are automated, meaning that they are implemented in or used with a broad class of industrial or agricultural vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility task vehicles (AVT), tractors, autonomous agricultural vehicles (AAV), or any other farming equipment. In some implementations, the techniques are used to measure the ionic concentration of the ionic compound present in the soil as an agricultural vehicle drives over a field, and the measured ionic concentration can be used to instruct, guide, adapt and / or adjust an agricultural event or intervention (e.g. , spraying fertilizer) being achieved by the agricultural vehicle in real time or near real time. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns cleaning methods and systems for equipment used for measuring an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil. Some embodiments of a pressure-based extraction system for soil nitrates based on a high-pressure water jet approach will be presented.

[0115] The present disclosure also relates to techniques, including methods and systems, for processing, transforming or conditioning a sample extracted from a soil to obtain a filtered soil solution. The techniques herein described may be suited, for example and without being limitative, to prepare, alter, adapt, treat and / or modify a sample prior to an agricultural event or an experiment. In some implementations, the filtered soil solution can be sent to an external laboratory for analysis thereof. In these implementations, the ionic concentration of the ionic compound is therefore measured elsewhere than in the field, after having been conditioned on the field. With reference to Figure 1, there is provided a system 1000 for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil which may also be used, in some embodiments, measuring an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the soil, based on the filtered soil solution. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 1000 includes a sealable vessel 110, which includes several components collectively configured to receive the soil sample extracted from the soil and subsequently produce a prefiltered soil solution from the soil sample.

[0116] As illustrated in Figure 3, the system 1000 includes a sealing housing 120 connectable to the sealable vessel 110 at a housing interface 116. The housing interface 116 is located near or at a top portion of the sealable vessel 110. As such, the system 1000 can be in an open configuration (shown in Figure 4A) or in a closed configuration, when the sealing housing 120 is mounted or connected to the sealable vessel 110 (shown in Figure 4B). In some embodiments, the sealing housing 120 is sealed with a gasket or a similar sealant.

[0117] The sealable vessel 110 includes a mixing chamber 112 configured to receive a soil sample, after its extraction from the soil. As illustrated in Figure 3B, the sealable vessel 110 includes an opening 117 allowing a passage of the soil sample for its insertion in the mixing chamber 112.

[0118] The system 1000 includes a first filter 130 mounted at a bottom portion of the mixing chamber 112 and a collection chamber 114. The filter 130 is mounted or placed between the mixing chamber 112 and the collection chamber 114, hence forming a filter interface 132.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiments, the sealing housing 120 includes a reservoir 124 configured to host a liquid, and a nozzle 122 fluidly connected to the reservoir 124. The nozzle 122 is configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir 124 and into the mixing chamber 112, on the soil sample. The liquid may be an aqueous solution, such as, for example and without being limitative, water, salt solutions, acids, buffers or any other suitable liquids. Extractants such as ammonium acetate or potassium chloride may also be used. The present technology allows extracting a wide variety of soil nutrients and contaminants, such as, for example and without being limitative, elemental and molecular ions (K+, Ca2+, Cl", SO42, and the like ), heavy metals, soluble salts, humic matter, and microplastics. In some embodiments, a plurality of nozzles 122 may be provided.

[0120] The system 1000 also includes a fluidic circuit 200 fluidly connected to the sealable vessel 110. The fluidic circuit 200 is configured to collect or extract the pre-filtered soil solution. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluidic circuit 200 includes a second filter 210 configured to filter the pre-filtered soil solution, thereby producing a filtered soil solution. The system 1000 also includes a measurement device 300 in fluid communication with the fluidic circuit 200. The measurement device 300 is configured to receive the filtered soil solution and to determine an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution, the ionic concentration being representative of an ionic concentration of the ionic compound present in the soil. The system 1000 may further include a controller 1200 communicably connected to the measurement device 300 and the sealable vessel 110.

[0121] In some embodiments, the system 1000 is embedded in or mounted to an industrial or agricultural vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicles (ATV), a utility task vehicle (AVT), a tractor, an autonomous agricultural vehicle (AAV), or any other farming equipment, to enable a user to perform in-situ measurement of an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil. This may drastically reduce a time duration of the measurement process.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sealable vessel 110 also includes a load cell (not shown) connected to the controller 1200 and configured to measure a weight of the soil sample prior and after the liquid has been sprayed by the nozzle 122 in the mixing chamber 114. The controller 1200 may use data provided by the load cell to determine a weight of the soil sample (i.e., prior producing of the soil slurry). The nozzle 122 may further be actuated to spray the liquid until a target mass liquid-to-solid ratio is reached. For example, the target mass liquid-to-solid ratio may be set between 0.4: 1 and 10: 1. The spraying of the liquid is stopped by the controller 1200 in response to a mass of the sprayed liquid and a mass of the soil sample cause the target mass liquid-to-solid ratio to be reached.

[0123] It should be noted that the target mass liquid-to-solid ratio may be adjusted according to the nature of the soil sample and the analysis method. However, the volume and / or mass of the soil sample should allow the directional liquid stream to sufficiently contact the soil sample in order to perform the mixing operation.

[0124] In some embodiments, the nozzle 122 is configured to generate a vortex within the soil slurry 420. For example, the nozzle 122 may include an actuator operatively connected to the controller 1200 and allowing the nozzle 122 to adjust a direction of the directional liquid stream 425. Alternatively, the nozzle 122 may be configured to automatically rotate, thereby adjusting the direction of the directional liquid stream 425. In this implementation, the controller 1200 causes the actuator to actuate the nozzle 122 to continuously adjust the direction of the directional liquid stream 425 to follow an ellipsoidal pattern around an apex of the conical shape of the first filter 130. In other implementations, the pattern may be a circle around the apex of the first filter 130. The directional liquid stream may follow the ellipsoidal pattern in a clockwise rotation or an anti-clockwise rotation. In general, a contact point between the directional liquid stream 425 and the soil sample 410 (and / or the soil slurry 420) follows a circular shape around the apex of the first filter 130. This continuous adjustment of the direction of the directional liquid stream 425 causes the formation of a vortex in the soil slurry 420 due to the centripetal force.

[0125] Other techniques are envisioned to create a vortex in the soil slurry 420 in alternative implementations. For example, the sealable vessel 110 may include a rotating device, such as a propeller or turbine, at a bottom portion of the sealable vessel 110, where the soil slurry 420 is located. Additionally or optionally, the sealable vessel 110 may include a mixer, mixing blades or impeller, and / or shaking mechanisms to perform the mixing of the liquid with the soil sample 410.

[0126] Once produced, the soil slurry 420 is filtered by the first filter 130. In this implementation, the first filter 130 removes at least a portion of macroscopic components contained in the soil slurry. The first filter 130 may include a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof. For example, the first filter 130 may be made a porous material, and a pore size of the porous material may be included in a range extending between about 1 and about 200 micrometers. The dimensions of the pores refers to a diameter of the pores if the pores are circular. Otherwise, the dimensions of the pores can refer to any dimensions of any given shapes. In some embodiments, the first filter 130 is embodied by a paper filter, a polymer filter, a metal filter, a ceramic filter, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first filter 130 is made from a porous material or includes porous fibers. The soil slurry 420 is “passively filtered” by the first filter 130, as gravity pulls the soil slurry 420 through the first filter 130. Movement of the soil slurry 420 caused by the vortex may also facilitate the filtering of the soil slurry 420 by pushing or exercising a force on the soil slurry 420 through the first filter 130. When the sealing housing 120 is sealed to the sealable vessel 110, a pressure within the mixing chamber 112 may rise due to the spraying of the liquid, which may also facilitate the filtering of the soil slurry 420 by pushing the soil slurry 420 through the first filter 130.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first filter 130 is a tangential filter. More specifically and as illustrated in Figure 6, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the first filter 130 (embodied by a conical filter in Figure 6) is maintained below a pre-determined or defined angular threshold amin. Tangential filtering, also known as crossflow filtration, is a process where a liquid flows in a direction substantially parallel to the filter surface, rather than a direction substantially perpendicular to the filter surface. In use, the directional liquid stream 425 continuously sweeps the surface of the first filter 130 in a tangential manner, reducing the buildup of particles and preventing clogging. The illustrative examples of angles ai and a.2 between the surface of the first filter 130 and different directions of the directional liquid stream 425 are below the pre-determined angular threshold amm. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 122 is located substantially above the filter 130 (i.e., aligned with an apex of the conical shape of the first filter 130) such that the nozzle 122 sprays the directional liquid stream 425 in a substantially vertical direction. In some embodiments, the filter 130 may be shaped such that an angle ao between the surface of the first filter 130 and a vertical axis passing through the nozzle 122 and the apex is below the pre -determined angular threshold Ctmin-

[0128] Now that different embodiments of the system 1000 have been described, associated methods will now be presented. Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, according to some implementations of the present technology. The method 500, or at least one step of the method 500, may be performed by a processor or a computer system, such as the controller 1200.

[0129] The method 500 starts with providing or positioning, at step 510, the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, similar to what have been previously described. The soil sample may have been extracted right before the other steps of the method 500, or well before the other steps. It should be noted that the extraction of the soil sample can be performed by the farmer or can alternatively be automatized (z. e. , semiautomatic or fully automatic), the person responsible of the measurements or characterization of the soil, or any other third parties. The sample extracted from the soil is typically a mix of a solid content and a liquid content, and includes organic matter, minerals, water and air. The sample extracted from the soil is representative of the region of the soil from which it has been extracted. The relative proportions of each component of the soil can vary or evolve over time but can also be dependent on the location of the sample and other factors, such as environmental factors, weather, previous agricultural events having been performed on the field, and any other human or non-human interventions. As such, the properties of the soil - and so the sample - are “dynamic properties” which may evolve over time. A collection of several samples is hence typically required to adequately determine or measure the ionic concentration of the ionic compound present in the soil or the field of interest. Spatial variations of the ionic concentration of some ionic compounds, such as nitrates, may be assessed before the extraction step. Such an assessment may be referred to as a “mapping”, which can be performed only once, or alternatively periodically updated. In some implementations, the soil sample is extracted using equipment such as, for example and without being limitative, an auger, a shovel, a drill, an automatic sampler (e.g., Wintex sampler), or any combinations thereof.

[0130] Before being positioned in the mixing chamber, the soil sample may be at least partially dried. The expression “partially dried” herein refers to a ratio between a liquid content and a solid content found in the sample, the ratio being representative of a remaining content or traces of the liquid content with respect to the solid content of the sample after the drying process. The partially dried sample can have a remaining liquid content, which can be, in some implementations, smaller that the liquid content that was originally found in the sample. In some implementations, the sample is air dried, meaning that the sample is exposed to air (e.g., ambient air) after its extraction, without any other or only minimal interventions. Of note, the sample may be exposed to another gas, depending on the soil conditions or the ionic concentration of the ionic compound to be measured. In some implementations, the soil sample is dried using a device or system configured to dry a sample, which can be achieved by circulating a gas near or in the sample and / or thermally treating the sample (e.g., increasing its temperature). Nonlimitative examples of such devices or systems include an oven, flames, a solenoid, a dehumidifier, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a sieve, a mesh and / or a strainer can be used to filter the sample. In some embodiments, a vibrating plate can be used to filter the sample. In some embodiments, filtering the sample includes removing at least a portion of the macroscopic components contained in the sample. In these implementations, the filtering step may be referred to as a “macroscopic filtering” or “macro-filtering”.

[0131] With reference to Figure 2, the method 500 further includes a step 520 of mixing the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the production of the pre-filtered soil solution in greater detail . As illustrated, a soil sample 410 has been introduced in the mixing chamber 112 and placed therein such that the soil sample 410 covers at least a portion of a surface of the filter 130. It should be noted that, in the illustrated embodiments, the first filter 130 is a conical filter having a substantially conical shape oriented towards the nozzle 122, the nozzle 122 being substantially located on an axis of revolution of a conical shape of the first filter 130. Other shapes of the first filter 130 could be used. For example, the first filter 130 may have a dome shape or a trapezoid shape.

[0132] Once the soil sample 410 has been placed within the mixing chamber 112, the nozzle 122 sprays the liquid onto the soil sample 410 to mix the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry 420. The nozzle 122 is configured to spray a directional liquid stream 425 in a substantially vertical direction, as shown on Figure 5B. The nozzle 122 may be, for example, a high-pressure spray gun and / or spray the liquid at a pressure between about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) and about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample 410 with the liquid. A plurality of directional liquid streams 425 are depicted on Figure 5B. Alternatively, a single directional liquid stream 425 may be sprayed. In some embodiments, the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid at a flow rate of about 1.5 gallons per minute. It should be noted that the directional liquid stream 425 may be a continuous or a discontinuous (z. e. , intermittent) liquid stream.

[0133] With reference to Figure 2, the method 500 includes a step 530 of collecting the pre-filtered soil solution within a collection chamber of the sealable vessel. As previously mentioned, the soil slurry 420 forms a pre-filtered soil solution 430 (see Figure 5B) upon being filtered by the first filter 130. The pre-filtered soil solution 430 is further collected in the collection chamber 114 of the sealable vessel 110.

[0134] With reference to Figure 2, the method 500 includes a step 540 of extracting at least a portion of the prefiltered soil solution from the collection chamber by a fluidic circuit. A nonlimitative example of the fluidic circuit 200 is depicted in Figure 7. As illustrated, the fluidic circuit 200 includes a liquid inlet 220A and a pump 240 configured to cause the pre-filtered soil solution to flow from the collection chamber 114 into the fluidic circuit 200. In some embodiments, the liquid inlet 220A may be a straw extending within the collection chamber to extract the pre-filtered soil solution 430 near a top surface thereof., which may help extracting the pre-filtered soil solution 430 with a reduced amount of suspended solids.

[0135] In use, the pump 240 cause the pre-filtered soil solution 430 to flow from the liquid inlet 220A to the first filter 210. With reference to Figure 2, the method 500 further includes a step 550 of filtering the pre-filtered soil solution with by a second filter (i.e. , the second filter 210) to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter 210 being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit. In the illustrated embodiments, the second filter 210 is a tangential filter configured to perform tangential filtering in a similar manner than the first filter 130 previously described. For example, and without being limitative, the second filter 210 may be formed of a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof. Referring back to Figure 7, the second filter 210 filters the pre-filtered soil solution 430 and produces a filtered soil solution 440. In some embodiments, the fluidic circuit further includes a variable valve 230, or a “pinch valve”, configured to create pressure differential across the second filter 210. The filtered soil solution 440 is thus produced at an output of the second filter 210. The filtered soil solution 440 may be collected in various ways to be analyzed or processed.

[0136] In some embodiments, a portion 450 of the pre-filtered soil solution 430 that does not pass through the filter 210 may be further redirected to the collection chamber 114. For example, the fluidic circuit 200 may include a liquid outlet 220B fluidly connected to the collection chamber 114 to redirect the portion 450. The sealable vessel 110 may include a tank bottom valve 250 that may be used to drain the pre-filtered soil solution 430 from the collection chamber 114 if needed.

[0137] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution. In use, the fluidic circuit 200 may include a measurement device 300 and direct a flow of the filtered soil solution thereto. The measurement device 300 may further determine a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil solution. The measurement device 300 may rely on different techniques to determine the ionic concentration of the ionic compound present in the fdtered soil solution. In some implementations, the ionic concentration is determined using Raman spectroscopy, absorbance spectroscopy by determining a spectral response of the ionic compound present in the filtered sample solution in a range extending from about 200 nm to about 300 nm, an ion selective electrode, a chromotropic acid solution, a colorimetric method, and / or a cadmium reduction method. In some implementations, determining the ionic concentration includes determining a concentration level of nitrate present in the sample solution, as nitrate is the most readily available form of nitrogen for plants and may be used for predicting crop needs and understanding field dynamics. Of note, the ionic concentration of other ionic compounds could also be measured. For example, the at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry may be selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0138] The measurement device 300 may perform the determination of the ionic concentration according to methods disclosed in US Patent Application No. 63 / 551.817 entitled “SYSTEM FOR MEASURING A NITRATE CONCENTRATION LEVEL OF A SOIL, AND TECHNIQUES FOR MEASURING AN IONIC CONCENTRATION OF AN IONIC COMPOUND PRESENT IN THE SOIL” and US Patent Application No. 63 / 605.875 entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING A NITRATE CONCENTRATION LEVEL OF A SOIL, AND TECHNIQUES FOR MEASURING AN IONIC CONCENTRATION OF AN IONIC COMPOUND PRESENT IN THE SOIL”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0139] While the above -de scribed embodiments have been described and shown with reference to particular steps of the method 500 performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these steps may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered without departing from the teachings of the present technology. At least some of the steps may be executed in parallel or in series. Accordingly, the order and grouping of the steps is not a limitation of the present technology.

[0140] As an example, Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of the controller 1200 of the system 1000 according to an implementation of the present technology. The controller 1200 comprises a processor or a plurality of cooperating processors (represented as a processor 1210 for simplicity), a memory device or a plurality of memory devices (represented as a memory device 1230 for simplicity), and an input / output interface 1220 allowing the controller 1200 to communicate with other components of the system 1000 and / or other components in remote communication therewith. The processor 1210 is operatively connected to the memory device 1230 and to the input / output interface 1220. The memory device 1230 includes a storage for storing parameters 1234, including for example and without limitation the above-mentioned target mass liquid-to-solid ratios. The memory device 1230 may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing code instructions 1232 that are executable by the processor 1210 to allow the controller 1200 to perform the various tasks allocated to the controller 1200 described herein.

[0141] The controller 1200 is operatively connected, via the input / output interface 1220, to the nozzle 122 (and / or the actuator thereof), the load cell (not shown) and the measurement device 300. The controller 1200 executes the code instructions 732 stored in the memory device 730 to implement the various abovedescribed functions that may be present in a particular embodiment. Figure 7 as illustrated represents a nonlimiting embodiment in which the controller 1200 orchestrates operations of the sealable vessel 110 and the measurement device 300. This particular embodiment is not meant to limit the present disclosure and is provided for illustration purposes.

[0142] A library of soil samples has been tested using the method and system disclosed herein. These reference soil samples were used in past rounds of the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) and Agricultural Laboratory Proficiency (ALP) programs. As such, the system 1000 and performances thereof have been compared to laboratory consensus values reported by the NAPT / ALP programs. Results from this comparison are shown with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a chart showing an overall correlation between extraction values of the system 1000 and ALP / NAPT reference values. Figure 10 is a chart showing correlation values between extraction values of the system 1000 and ALP / NAPT reference values, zoomed to 0-50 ppm for clarity.

[0143] It should be noted that the system 1000 is not limited to producing filtered soil solution and could also be applied to extraction of analytes from samples such as manure, compost, and pomace. The pressure within the mixing chamber 112 as well as the height, shape, and diameter ofthe sealable body 110 can be modified to accommodate different objectives.

[0144] The techniques having been insofar described can be useful to measure and / or monitor the soil condition in situ, i.e., without the need to send the sample to external laboratories, thereby providing a dynamic characterization of the soil. In some implementations, the techniques involve performing measurements at several locations of the field being characterized, thereby allowing obtaining a global and dynamic representation (i.e., a “cartography”) of the field. In some implementations, the dynamic characterization of the soil may be used to plan the maintenance of the field, plan the fertilization of the field, evaluate, and potentially prevent the risk of diseases for the tree(s), plant(s) and / or crop(s) growing in the field, and the like.

[0145] With reference to Figures 11 to 21, various aspects, features, and implementations of self-cleaning soil extraction methods and associated systems will be presented.

[0146] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method for producing a fdtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil. The method may be similar or at least include some of the steps of the method having been insofar described. For example, the method may include providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel including a fdter releasably engageable with the mixing chamber at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution in a collection chamber of the sealable vessel; extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber with a fluidic circuit; and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution with a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit. These steps are followed by a step of cleaning the mixing chamber by disengaging the filter from the mixing chamber with at least one actuator and injecting a high-pressure fluid to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber, before reengaging the filter with the mixing chamber with said at least one actuator.

[0147] In some embodiments, the method may include securing a sealing housing to an opening of the sealable vessel before mixing the soil sample with the liquid within the mixing chamber, the sealing housing including a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

[0148] In some embodiments, the filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

[0149] In some embodiments, the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the filter. In some embodiments, the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

[0150] In some embodiments, the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction. In some embodiments, the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

[0151] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the fdtered soil solution.

[0152] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration includes directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device; and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

[0153] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound includes determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0154] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a method for determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil, the method including: producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil by: providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel including a filter releasably engageable with the mixing chamber at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution within a collection chamber of the sealable vessel; extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber by a fluidic circuit; and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution by a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution; and cleaning the mixing chamber by disengaging the filter from the mixing chamber with at least one actuator and injecting a high- pressure fluid to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber, before reengaging the filter with the mixing chamber with said at least one actuator. In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration includes directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the fdtered soil solution to a measurement device; and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the fdtered soil solution.

[0155] In some embodiments, determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound includes determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the fdtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the fdtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0156] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a system for producing a fdtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the system including: a sealable vessel having an opening allowing a passage of the soil sample, the sealable vessel including: a mixing chamber configured to hold the soil sample; and a collection chamber located below the mixing chamber; a filter releasably engageable with a bottom portion of the mixing chamber and separating the mixing chamber from the collection chamber, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; a sealing housing connectable to the opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing including a nozzle fluidly connected to a reservoir containing a liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir, in the mixing chamber and onto the soil sample to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being fdtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution in the collection chamber; a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber; a second filter configured to: receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; and filter the pre-filtered soil solution to obtain the fdtered soil solution; a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber; and at least one actuator configured to: disengage the filter from the mixing chamber before injection of a high-pressure fluid in the mixing chamber to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber; and reengage the filter with the mixing chamber after the discharge of the remaining solid portion.

[0157] In some embodiments, the system further includes a measurement device configured to determine an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution. In some embodiments, the fluidic circuit is configured to direct a flow of the filtered soil solution to the measurement device; and the measurement device is configured to determine the ionic concentration based on the received filtered soil solution.

[0158] In some embodiments, the measurement device is configured to determine a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

[0159] In some embodiments, the system includes a flow control module configured to circulate a cleaning fluid through the filter to clean the same. In some embodiments, the flow control module is configured to circulate the cleaning fluid to clean the water source.

[0160] In some embodiments, the system may be compatible with methods and systems for measuring an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil, such as the ones described in US 63 / 687,533.

[0161] In some embodiments, the water gun and bucket are designed for use with a pressurized water system. Though system modifications could be feasible, the extraction system has been tested and approved with a pressure of 1400 psi and a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute. The system is designed to function in tandem with a modular closed core unit. This unit connects to the ports on the extractor to automate the filtration and purging processes. A vacuum cleaner can be attached to facilitate the expulsion of the retentate. The soil to water ratio of the water gun extraction system can be adjusted according to the nature of the sample and the desired analysis method. However, the volume of the soil added to the bucket must be limited so that the jet stream contacts the soil directly and the water is able to make sufficient contact with the entirety of the sample. The actuators may feature rod-eye ends. To address the effects of vibration, the ends are clamped down using custom joints and wave-disc springs. The extraction chamber is sealed not only to prevent leakage of the soil sample slurry, but to create a build up of positive pressure when the water gun is used. This has been found to increase the efficacy of the nutrient extraction. The top sealing interface (between the water gun nozzle housing and the extractor tube) is made using a sanitary clamp / quick clamp connection to ensure tightness and ease of removal for when a new soil sample is added to the extractor. In some embodiments, three O-rings in the bottom sealing interface, supported by high clamping forces from bolts, may be used. To reduce the required clamping force and allow for smaller actuators, the number of O-rings may be reduced to two (one for each side of the conical fdter). The bottom O-ring may be precompressed using a retaining disc that also holds down the conical filter, while the other alone is compressed by the forces of the actuators. The catchment tank features a bottom sloped in two dimensions to direct the expelled solids to the solids collection outlet. The electric linear actuators can be replaced with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. This is more convenient if there is already an integrated hydraulic or pneumatic circuit. These actuators have an advantage in that the pressure can be directly controlled. Pneumatic pistons also have the benefit of being mechanically compliant. The manual work needed in using this system can be reduced by eliminating the need to remove the water gun nozzle housing before inserting the soil sample. However, the added port / inlet for the soil must be capable of maintaining positive pressure in the extraction chamber when the water gun is used. This can be accomplished using a knife gate valve or rotary airlock valve. The addition of a loadcell onto the extractor assembly would allow for the measurement of the mass of the soil sample added to it. This would eliminate the need to mass the sample before adding it to the extraction chamber.

[0162] The techniques having been insofar described can be useful to measure and / or monitor the soil condition in situ, i.e., without the need to send the sample to an external lab, thereby providing a dynamic characterization of the soil. In some embodiments, the techniques involve performing measurements at several locations of the field being characterized, thereby allowing to obtain a global and dynamic representation (i.e., a “cartography”) of the field. In these embodiments, the cleaning methods and systems having been previously described can be used between subsequent measurements. In some embodiments, the dynamic characterization of the soil may be used to plan the maintenance of the field, plan the fertilization of the field, evaluate, and potentially prevent the risk of diseases for the tree(s), plant(s) and / or crop(s) growing in the field, and the like.

[0163] Now that different embodiments of the technology have been described, one nonlimitative example of a cleaning sequence will be presented. The cleaning process according to the example includes steps which may be performed manually or semi-automatically, such as: unfastening clamps holding the vessel closed, dismounting the water gun nozzle housing, inserting a soil sample of known mass while the clamps are unfastened, remounting the water gun nozzle housing after insertion of the soil sample and activating the measurement and / or cleaning sequence. In the context of this example, a volume of soil sample comprised in a range extending from about 150 mb to about 250mL may be used. Once the sample has been inserted, a liquid such as water is sprayed into the system with the water gun nozzle. The pressure of the waterjet may be about 2000 psi. Multiple separated bursts may be used to allow the water level to settle and ensure direct contact between the water jet and the soil sample. The duration of these bursts may be set at the beginning of the measurement sequence and may be of a duration comprised in a range extending between about 1 s and about 2 s. In the context of this example, the flow is monitored or measured, and so the volume of added water is known. Once the fdtered soil solution has been produced, it can be characterized using the techniques having been previously described. The actuators are configured to be lifted and separate the extractor tube from the conical filter. The remaining solid portion of the soil sample is directed towards the catchment tank using a high-pressure water jet sprayed through the water gun nozzle. The solids are expelled from the catchment tank through the solids collection outlet. Of note, a vacuum pressure can be used to facilitate this step. Once the solid portion of the soil sample has been flushed, the actuators are configured to lower and recouple the extractor tube to the conical filter, hence forming a seal. The conical interface helps aligning the two pieces together and increasing the sealing pressure. The rubber spacers provide flexibility to compensate for any misalignments, while their elasticity helps maintaining the seal tight. Once the system is sealed, water can be re-added through the water gun nozzle to clean at least some components of the system.

[0164] In accordance with one aspect, there are provided techniques for measuring a concentration of a target compound in a liquid, which may be, for example, an aqueous solution. These techniques include a system referred to as a filtration loop and a method using the filtration loop. Optical detection of a target compound in an aqueous solution is challenging for many reasons such as, for example, the presence of solid particles and / or the relatively high density of other substances in the aqueous solution. The techniques that will be described allow for real-time or near real-time measurements without contacting or altering the sample under study. The measurements obtained the methods and systems using the filtration loop rely on removing the unwanted features from the optical measurements or associated signal(s) or at least mitigate their impact. The filtration loop is configured to continuously and seamlessly produce a filtered soil solution in a direct mode and to enable a cleaning sequence in a cleaning mode. Switching between these two modes prevents the accumulation of the slurry, particulate matter and / or solution(s) in the filtration loop or component(s) thereof, thereby enabling an optical analysis of the soil sample without interruption.

[0165] The filtration loop includes a closed fluidic circuit. The closed fluidic circuit includes various mechanical and electronic components to control the circulation of the fluids within the filtration loop. Examples of such components are pumps, nozzles, filters, fittings, valves, flanges, gaskets, tubes and capillary tubes, to name a few. Once the filtered soil solution is obtained, it can either be directed into a measurement device separate from the filtration loop for optical characterization, or optically analyzed in the filtration loop, before being flushed out of the filtration loop. The optical techniques previously presented can be used in combination with the filtration loop. The methods and systems allow removing or mitigating the contribution of light scattering and / or absorption that may be caused by solids or particulate matters in suspension in the soil solution or any solutions made from the soil sample.

[0166] The configuration of the filtration loop, including, for example, the closed fluidic circuit, enables the capacity of treating or processing an infinite volume of samples.

[0167] In some embodiments, the methods and systems as described herein may allow obtaining the filtered soil solution in about 60 seconds or less. In some embodiments, the methods and systems as described herein may allow determining the ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil in about 60 seconds or less.

[0168] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the method comprising: providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel comprising a first filter at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the first filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution in a collection chamber of the sealable vessel; extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber with a fluidic circuit; and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution with a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing a sealing housing to an opening of the sealable vessel before mixing the soil sample with the liquid within the mixing chamber, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the first filter.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the first filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

8. The method of claim 4, further comprising, upon mixing the soil sample with the liquid, continuously adjusting a direction of the directional liquid stream to follow an ellipsoidal pattern around an apex of the conical shape.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the directional liquid stream follows the ellipsoidal pattern in a clockwise rotation or an anti-clockwise rotation.

10. The method of claim 3, wherein the directional liquid stream is continuous.

11. The method of claim 2, wherein the reservoir is housed in the sealing housing.

12. The method of claim 2, further comprising, subsequent to positioning the soil sample in the mixing chamber, sealing the sealing housing to the sealable vessel at an opening thereof.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the ionic concentration comprises: directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device; and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound comprises determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising measuring a weight of the soil sample prior and after the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid, wherein mixing the soil sample with liquid comprises obtaining a mass ratio between the liquid and the soil sample between 0.4: 1 and 10: 1.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first filter and / or the second filter comprises a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the second filter is a tangential flow filter.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is water.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is an aqueous solution.

21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first filter is configured to remove at least a portion of macroscopic components contained in the soil slurry.

22. A method for determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil, the method comprising: producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil by: providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel comprising a first filter at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the first filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution within a collection chamber of the sealable vessel; extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber by a fluidic circuit; and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution by a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; and determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, subsequent to providing the soil sample in the mixing chamber of the sealable vessel, securing a sealing housing to an opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the first filter.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the first filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising, upon mixing the soil sample with the liquid, continuously adjusting a direction of the directional liquid stream to follow an ellipsoidal pattern around an apex of the conical shape.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the directional liquid stream follows the ellipsoidal pattern in a clockwise rotation or an anti-clockwise rotation.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein the directional liquid stream is continuous.

32. The method of claim 23, wherein the reservoir is housed in the sealing housing.

33. The method of claim 23, further comprising, subsequent to positioning the soil sample in the mixing chamber, sealing the sealing housing to the sealable vessel at an opening thereof.

34. The method of claim 22, wherein determining the ionic concentration comprises: directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device; and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

35. The method of claim 22, wherein determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound comprises determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

36. The method of claim 22, further comprising measuring a weight of the soil sample prior and after the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid, wherein mixing the soil sample with liquid comprises obtaining a mass ratio between the liquid and the soil sample between 0.4: 1 and 10: 1.

37. The method of claim 22, wherein the first filter and / or the second filter comprises a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof.

38. The method of claim 22, wherein the second filter is a tangential flow filter.

39. The method of claim 22, wherein the liquid is water.

40. The method of claim 22, wherein the liquid is an aqueous solution.

41. The method of claim 22, wherein the first filter is configured to remove at least a portion of macroscopic components contained in the soil slurry.

42. A system for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the system comprising: a sealable vessel having an opening allowing a passage of the soil sample, the sealable vessel comprising: a mixing chamber configured to hold the soil sample; and a collection chamber located below the mixing chamber; a first filter positioned at a bottom portion of the mixing chamber and separating the mixing chamber from the collection chamber, the soil sample being positioned on the first filter; a sealing housing connectable to the opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle fluidly connected to a reservoir containing a liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir, in the mixing chamber and onto the soil sample to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the first filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution in the collection chamber; a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber; and a second filter configured to: receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; andfilter the pre-filtered soil solution to obtain a filtered soil slurry.

43. The system of claim 42, further comprising a load cell configured to measure a weight of the soil sample prior and after the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir until a mass ratio between the liquid and the soil sample is between 0.4:1 and 10:1.

44. The system of claim 42, further comprising a sealing housing configured to be secured to an opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the first filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the first filter.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the first filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

48. The system of claim 45, wherein the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

49. The system of claim 45, wherein the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

50. The system of claim 46, wherein the nozzle is configured to continuously adjust a direction of the directional liquid stream to follow an ellipsoidal pattern around an apex of the conical shape.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the directional liquid stream follows the ellipsoidal pattern in a clockwise rotation or an anti-clockwise rotation.

52. The system of claim 45, wherein the directional liquid stream is continuous.

53. The system of claim 44, wherein the reservoir is housed in the sealing housing.

54. The system of claim 42, further comprising a measurement device configured to determine an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein: the fluidic circuit is configured to direct a flow of the filtered soil solution to the measurement device; and the measurement device is configured to determine the ionic concentration based on the received filtered soil solution.

56. The system of claim 54, wherein the measurement device is configured to determine a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

57. The system of claim 42, wherein the first filter and / or the second filter comprises a sieve, a mesh, a strainer, or any combinations thereof.

58. The system of claim 42, wherein the second filter is a tangential flow filter.

59. The system of claim 42, wherein the liquid is water.

60. The system of claim 42, wherein the liquid is an aqueous solution.

61. The system of claim 42, wherein the first filter is configured to remove at least a portion of macroscopic components contained in the soil slurry.

62. A method for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the method comprising: providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel comprising a filter releasably engageable with the mixing chamber at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution in a collection chamber of the sealable vessel;extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber with a fluidic circuit; filtering the pre-filtered soil solution with a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; and cleaning the mixing chamber by disengaging the filter from the mixing chamber with at least one actuator and injecting a high-pressure fluid to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber, before reengaging the filter with the mixing chamber with said at least one actuator.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising securing a sealing housing to an opening of the sealable vessel before mixing the soil sample with the liquid within the mixing chamber, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir and towards the soil sample.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the filter is a conical filter, and the nozzle is configured to spray the liquid a directional liquid stream, an angle between the directional liquid stream and a surface of the conical filter being below a pre-determined angular threshold.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the nozzle is aligned with an axis of revolution of the filter.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the sealing housing is connected to a top portion of the sealable vessel above the filter, the nozzle being configured to spray the directional liquid stream in a substantially vertical direction.

67. The method of claim 64, wherein the nozzle is a high-pressure spray gun.

68. The method of claim 64, wherein the directional liquid stream is sprayed at a pressure of about 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 PSI during the mixing of the soil sample with the liquid.

69. The method of claim 62, further comprising determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein determining the ionic concentration comprises: directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device; and determining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound comprises determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

72. A method for determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in a soil, the method comprising: producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil by: providing the soil sample in a mixing chamber of a sealable vessel, the sealable vessel comprising a filter releasably engageable with the mixing chamber at a bottom portion thereof, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; mixing the soil sample with a liquid within the mixing chamber to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution; collecting the pre-filtered soil solution within a collection chamber of the sealable vessel; extracting at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber by a fluidic circuit; and filtering the pre-filtered soil solution by a second filter to obtain the filtered soil solution, the second filter being configured to receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; determining an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution; and cleaning the mixing chamber by disengaging the filter from the mixing chamber with at least one actuator and injecting a high-pressure fluid to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber, before reengaging the filter with the mixing chamber with said at least one actuator.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein determining the ionic concentration comprises: directing, by the fluidic circuit, a flow of the filtered soil solution to a measurement device; anddetermining, by the measurement device, the ionic concentration based on the filtered soil solution.

74. The method of claim 72, wherein determining the ionic concentration of the ionic compound comprises determining a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

75. A system for producing a filtered soil solution from a soil sample extracted from the soil, the system comprising: a sealable vessel having an opening allowing a passage of the soil sample, the sealable vessel comprising: a mixing chamber configured to hold the soil sample; and a collection chamber located below the mixing chamber; a filter releasably engageable with a bottom portion of the mixing chamber and separating the mixing chamber from the collection chamber, the soil sample being positioned on the filter; a sealing housing connectable to the opening of the sealable vessel, the sealing housing comprising a nozzle fluidly connected to a reservoir containing a liquid, the nozzle being configured to spray the liquid out of the reservoir, in the mixing chamber and onto the soil sample to produce a soil slurry, the soil slurry being filtered by the filter to form a pre-filtered soil solution in the collection chamber; a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber; a second filter configured to: receive the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber through the fluidic circuit; and filter the pre-filtered soil solution to obtain the filtered soil solution;a fluidic circuit configured to extract at least a portion of the pre-filtered soil solution from the collection chamber; and at least one actuator configured to: disengage the filter from the mixing chamber before injection of a high-pressure fluid in the mixing chamber to discharge a remaining solid portion of the soil sample from the mixing chamber; and reengage the filter with the mixing chamber after the discharge of the remaining solid portion.

76. The system of claim 75, further comprising a measurement device configured to determine an ionic concentration of an ionic compound present in the filtered soil solution.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein: the fluidic circuit is configured to direct a flow of the filtered soil solution to the measurement device; and the measurement device is configured to determine the ionic concentration based on the received filtered soil solution.

78. The system of claim 75, wherein the measurement device is configured to determine a concentration level of at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry, said at least one target compound present in the filtered soil slurry being selected from: minerals, organic molecules, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, ammonium, ammonia, sulfates, urea, organic matter, organic carbon, humic acid, fluvic acid, agronomically relevant inorganic compounds, arsenates, silicates, metal oxides, monoatomic ions, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, aluminum, chloride, persistent organic pollutant (POP) residues, derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and ingredients or components present in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

79. A method for continuously determining a concentration of a target compound in a solution, the method comprising: obtaining a signal representative of at least one optical property of the solution while continuously circulating the solution in a filtration loop, said at least one optical property being associated with the target compound; and filtering the solution in the filtration loop to remove an unwanted feature present in the signal.

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