Multimodal Stand-off Sensor System for Soil Carbon Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring soil carbon sequestration are inefficient and costly, relying on traditional soil sampling and laboratory analysis, which can lead to errors due to insufficient sampling and simplistic calculations, making it impractical for large-scale carbon sequestration programs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multimodal stand-off sensor system equipped with GPR, EMI, INS, and LIBS sensors, integrated with GPS and machine learning capabilities, allowing for real-time, non-invasive measurement and visualization of soil carbon sequestration, providing accurate and precise data on soil depth, density, and carbon concentration without the need for extensive sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional soil sampling and laboratory analysis methods are used, then carbon sequestration measurement can be performed, but the process is lengthy, expensive, and impractical for large-scale programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical soil sampling and laboratory analysis with optical and electromagnetic sensing systems. Sensors mounted on aircraft or ground vehicles use spectroscopy and electromagnetic induction to measure soil carbon properties non-invasively, eliminating the need for physical sample collection, transportation, and laboratory processing while achieving rapid field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectral signatures and electromagnetic signals as intermediaries to measure soil carbon. Instead of directly analyzing soil samples, the system uses reflected or emitted electromagnetic radiation characteristics to infer carbon content, enabling indirect but rapid measurement without physical disturbance of the soil.
2Measurement precision
If traditional soil sampling methods are used, then carbon concentration can be measured, but extensive sampling and laboratory analysis are required, increasing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling procedures and laboratory equipment with integrated optical and electromagnetic sensors that can be deployed on mobile platforms. The system uses spectral analysis and electromagnetic induction to measure carbon concentration directly in the field, eliminating multi-step sampling, sample preparation, and laboratory instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can assess multiple soil properties (carbon concentration, soil depth, density) using a single integrated sensor platform. The same electromagnetic and optical sensors that measure carbon can also determine other soil characteristics, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and procedures.
3Measurement precision
If remote sensing methods are used to measure biomass, then carbon stock can be estimated, but the methods are complex and can be discredited by single tillage events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect biomass-based remote sensing with direct soil electromagnetic sensing. Instead of estimating carbon stock from above-ground biomass measurements that require complex modeling and are sensitive to management practices like tillage, the system directly measures soil electromagnetic properties that correlate with carbon content, providing a more stable and management-independent metric.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic induction and spectral reflection as intermediaries to directly probe soil carbon properties. These electromagnetic interactions penetrate the soil surface and provide information about subsurface carbon without being influenced by above-ground vegetation or short-term management practices, creating a more reliable measurement that reflects actual soil carbon storage.
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
This approach significantly increases the accuracy and speed of soil carbon measurement, reduces costs, and enables real-time validation of carbon credits, providing a more robust and efficient method for monitoring and managing soil carbon across large areas.
Implementation Method 1
a ground penetrating radar sensor (GPR), an electromagnetic induction sensor (EMI), an air-launched inelastic neutron scanning sensor (INS), a laser-induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS) sensor
Implementation Method 2
a ground penetrating radar sensor (GPR), an electromagnetic induction sensor (EMI), an air-launched inelastic neutron scanning sensor (INS), a laser-induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS) sensor
Implementation Method 3
an air-launched inelastic neutron scanning sensor (INS)
Implementation Method 4
a laser-induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS) sensor
Implementation Method 5
a laser-induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system of soil carbon measurement is provided. The system includes a multimodal sensor payload that includes multiple sensors that are each a different sensor type and that are configured to estimate quantities of carbon stored in a soil area. The sensors include multiple stand-off sensor technologies.