On-the-go Soil Nitrate Sensor Shank for Precision Fertilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for soil nitrate-N testing are inconvenient, expensive, and lack accuracy due to the variability of nitrate-N concentration over time and soil depth, leading to suboptimal crop yields and environmental contamination from excessive nitrogen fertilizer application.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement equipped with nitrate-N sensors that can be deployed at different soil penetration depths to gather data on nitrate-N concentration throughout the root zone, allowing for precise fertilizer application based on real-time, depth-specific nitrate-N conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete soil samples are collected and tested in a laboratory, then nitrate-N concentration data is obtained, but the testing is expensive, time-consuming, and the data becomes outdated due to nitrate-N variability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical laboratory testing system with an optical sensing system. The transient infrared reflectance spectroscopy sensor detects nitrate-N concentrations optically in real-time, eliminating the need for physical soil sampling and laboratory analysis, thus resolving the time delay while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-testing directly in the field without requiring external laboratory facilities. The sensor autonomously measures nitrate-N concentrations as it moves through the soil, providing real-time data without human intervention for sampling, transporting, or laboratory analysis
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete soil samples are collected to map nitrate-N concentrations across varying soil types, then accurate field mapping is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates continuously as it moves through the field, providing uninterrupted nitrate-N concentration measurements across all soil types. This continuous monitoring replaces the discrete sampling approach, achieving comprehensive field mapping with a single passing sensor rather than multiple samples at numerous locations
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor system performs the function of multiple samples by measuring nitrate-N concentrations across all varying soil types in one continuous operation. The sensor adapts to different soil conditions automatically, providing universal measurement capability that replaces the need for numerous location-specific samples
3Reliability
If nitrogen fertilizer is applied uniformly across the field, then sufficient nitrate-N is available in some areas, but over-application occurs in other areas leading to waste and environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fertilizer at locally optimized rates based on real-time nitrate-N measurements from the sensor. Each area of the field receives the specific amount of nitrogen needed, rather than a uniform application rate. This localized customization eliminates over-application in areas with sufficient nitrate-N while ensuring adequate supply in deficient areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time nitrate-N concentration data from the sensor as feedback to control the variable rate fertilizer applicator. The sensor measurements continuously inform the fertilizer application rate, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts application in real-time based on actual soil conditions, preventing both under and over-application
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 accurate and timely fertilizer application, optimizing nitrate-N supply and reducing waste, thereby promoting precision farming and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors target a specific energy or light frequency at the soil through a small diamond or sapphire lens embedded into or incorporated with the tillage shank
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural implement (10) includes a chassis (18) and a shank (22) or shanks (22) carried by the chassis (18). The shank (22) or shanks (22) include an on-the-go nitrate-N sensor (42) or sensors (42). Nitrate-N conditions are determined for at least first and second zones (46 and 48) at different soil depths (32 and 50), either by multiple sensors (42) carried on one or multiple shanks (22) during a single pass of the agricultural implement (10), a single sensor (42) carried first at the first depth (32) and thereafter at the second depth (50) during multiple passes of the agricultural implement (10), or a sensor (42) moved between the first and second zones (46 and 48) during a single pass of the agricultural implement (10). Rates for applying additional nitrogen can be calculated from the determined conditions, and the application rates and determined conditions can be mapped.