In-Soil NMR Probe Measurement for Real-Time Soil Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining soil moisture and composition are time-consuming, costly, and do not accurately reflect localized variations, with existing technologies like LIBS and infrared spectroscopy being susceptible to contamination and requiring complex models.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with NMR and/or NQR probes that engage the soil surface to conduct real-time, in situ analysis, providing a three-dimensional soil profile and allowing for dynamic characterization of soil moisture and composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LIBS is used to determine elemental analysis, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to contamination and small sample size (1-2 microns) that is not representative of the region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-like measurement (LIBS measuring 1-2 microns) to distributed linear measurement by embedding NMR probes along the furrow path. This dimensional extension allows the measurement to represent the entire soil profile along the furrow, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision by maintaining rapid measurement while improving representativeness through spatial distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NMR probes as an intermediary technology between the furrow forming mechanism and the soil analysis system. These probes are embedded in the furrow former and extend into the soil, serving as mediators that enable continuous, representative sampling along the furrow path without requiring separate, slow laboratory analysis or contaminated small-sample techniques.
2Productivity
If infrared technology is used to analyse soils, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because it measures functional groups rather than elements and requires complex models that change with each soil type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces infrared spectroscopy (which measures functional groups through molecular vibration) with NMR technology (which directly detects nuclear spins of specific elements). This substitution eliminates the need for complex conversion models by directly measuring elemental composition through nuclear magnetic resonance, maintaining speed while improving precision for elemental analysis.
3Measurement precision
If soil samples are taken in a grid pattern for comprehensive analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase due to requiring hundreds or thousands of samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement along the furrow path as the agricultural vehicle operates, eliminating the discontinuous grid sampling approach. The NMR probes continuously monitor soil composition along the entire furrow, providing comprehensive data in a single continuous operation rather than requiring multiple discrete samples collected over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The furrow former is given multi-functionality by embedding NMR probes within it, allowing the same device that forms furrows to simultaneously perform continuous soil composition analysis. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate sampling equipment and reduces time loss by combining furrow formation and soil analysis into a single operational pass.
4Productivity
If NMR probes are embedded in the furrow former to enable continuous measurement, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the NMR measurement system with the existing furrow former structure by embedding probes within it. This combination integrates two functions (furrow formation and soil analysis) into a single device, improving productivity through continuous measurement while managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate independent systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, real-time elemental analysis of soil, facilitating autonomous farming practices by adjusting seed planting, fertilization, and watering based on localized soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one NMR and/or NQR probe is under the surface of the soil
Implementation Method 2
the at least one NMR and/or NQR probe is under the surface of the soil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring soil moisture and composition includes a ground engaging element adapted to break the surface of the soil, the ground engaging element having at least one NMR and/or NQR probe such that in use, the at least one NMR and/or NQR probe is under the surface of the soil. A method of measuring soil moisture and composition includes conducting NMR and/or NQR analyses of soil below the surface at a substantially constant depth.