Multi-Depth Soil Moisture and Nutrient Probe With Replaceable Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring soil moisture and nutrients in agriculture are labor-intensive, time-consuming, costly, and provide inconsistent, backward-looking data, leading to reactive farming practices that can result in yield loss and environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A soil moisture and nutrient sensor system with a probe containing co-located sensor modules for moisture, temperature, and fertility measurements at varying depths, allowing for real-time, comprehensive, and proactive data collection using wireless communication and replaceable nutrient sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual visual inspection methods are used to monitor soil moisture and nutrients, then labor intensity and time consumption are reduced, but measurement precision and data reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor systems that use electrical and electromagnetic fields to measure soil moisture and nutrient levels. Sensors such as capacitance probes, TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) devices, and ion-selective electrodes automatically detect physical and chemical properties of soil, eliminating the need for manual observation while providing precise, objective data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces soil moisture sensors and nutrient sensors as intermediary devices between the farmer and the soil conditions. These sensors act as mediators that directly interact with the soil to extract moisture content and nutrient level information, which is then transmitted to the farmer's device for analysis and decision-making.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive soil sampling and laboratory analysis are performed, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming laboratory analysis with on-site electronic sensing devices that provide immediate results. Sensors such as TDR probes for moisture content and ion-selective electrodes for nutrient levels deliver real-time data without requiring physical sample collection, transportation, or laboratory processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of soil conditions directly in the field before crops are planted or during the growing season. Sensors are installed in advance to continuously monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels, providing proactive information that allows farmers to make timely decisions about irrigation and fertilization without waiting for laboratory results.
3Reliability
If reactive farming practices based on trailing indicators are used, then response time to problems is delayed, but yield loss and environmental contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels in real-time, and this information is immediately transmitted to the farmer's device. The system provides ongoing feedback about soil conditions, allowing farmers to adjust irrigation and fertilization practices proactively based on current data rather than reacting to past problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables proactive farming by measuring soil conditions before problems occur. Sensors detect changes in moisture and nutrient levels early in the growing season or before stress conditions develop, allowing farmers to take preventive actions such as adjusting irrigation schedules or applying fertilizers before crop damage occurs.
4Reliability
If over-application of nutrients and moisture is used to ensure adequate levels, then crop reliability improves, but harmful environmental factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies precise, partial amounts of water and nutrients based on actual soil conditions rather than uniform over-application. Sensors detect the exact moisture and nutrient levels in the soil, allowing farmers to apply only the necessary amounts needed to reach target levels, avoiding excess that would cause runoff or contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses real-time data from sensors to dynamically adjust irrigation and fertilization parameters. Based on measured soil moisture content and nutrient levels, the system optimizes application rates and timing, changing parameters such as water volume, fertilizer concentration, and application frequency to match actual crop needs and minimize environmental impact.
Data Source
AI summary
A soil moisture and fertility sensor system is presented that includes an elongated probe having a plurality of sensor modules positioned along the length of the probe. Each sensor module includes a co-located sensors configured to take a moisture, temperature, and fertility measurements at varying depths of the soil. The probe is configured for wireless communication. The probe is configured to take moisture measurements, temperature measurements and/or nutrient measurements at different times so as to prevent interference between measurements. The probe includes a plurality of receptacles that receive the fertility sensor assembly cartridge that may be inserted into and removed from a receptacle so as to facilitate end-of-life replacement. In one arrangement, the fertility sensor assembly includes a reference sensor and a plurality of nutrient sensors that are each configured to sense the presence of a specific nutrient.