In Situ Soil Probe With Ion-Selective Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring soil composition in agriculture are inefficient, relying on discontinuous grab sampling, expensive laboratory analysis, and resource-intensive instrumentation, leading to delayed and costly information that often results in overfertilization and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A robust, portable, and affordable probe system using ion-selective electrodes for continuous real-time monitoring of soil parameters like nitrate, potassium, and bicarbonate, integrated with a biocidal reference electrode and electronic circuit for data acquisition, allowing for precise in-situ measurement and adaptive fertigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional grab sampling and laboratory analysis are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity is significantly reduced due to discontinuous monitoring and long analysis times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis systems with electrochemical sensors that directly measure soil parameters in situ. Ion-selective electrodes and other electrochemical sensors substitute for complex laboratory instrumentation, enabling continuous real-time monitoring while maintaining analytical accuracy through direct electrical/chemical detection in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe system performs self-contained measurements directly in the soil without requiring sample collection, transport, or laboratory processing. The sensors autonomously detect chemical parameters in situ, eliminating the need for external laboratory services and enabling continuous monitoring productivity while maintaining precision through direct field measurement.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated laboratory instrumentation is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and acquisition cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex laboratory instrumentation and implements it through simplified electrochemical sensors. By taking out only the core detection capability and implementing it through ion-selective electrodes and basic electrochemical cells, the system achieves necessary measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and acquisition cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple, affordable electrochemical sensors that can be deployed in the field without requiring expensive laboratory equipment. These sensors provide sufficient measurement precision for agricultural monitoring applications while being much less complex and more cost-effective than traditional laboratory instrumentation, enabling widespread deployment for continuous monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If traditional sampling and transport methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to sample handling and transport delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrochemical sensors as intermediaries that directly interface with the soil environment. These sensors act as mediators between the soil chemical parameters and the measurement system, enabling real-time detection without the time-consuming intermediate steps of sample collection, transport, and laboratory preparation, while maintaining analytical accuracy through direct in situ measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through permanently installed probes that continuously measure soil chemical parameters. This eliminates the discontinuous nature of traditional grab sampling, maintaining measurement precision through ongoing detection while eliminating time losses associated with periodic sample collection, transport, and batch analysis.
4Measurement precision
If permanent laboratory personnel are deployed, then measurement precision is ensured, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe system operates autonomously in the field, performing self-contained measurements without requiring permanent laboratory personnel. The electrochemical sensors automatically detect and record soil parameters, transmitting data without human intervention, thereby ensuring measurement precision through consistent automated operation while dramatically simplifying ease of operation and reducing operational complexity.
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 continuous, cost-effective monitoring of bioavailable soil nutrients, optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impact by providing timely, precise data for improved agricultural practices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor element sensitive to at least one parameter of interest to be monitored in the ground, deposited in at least one of the free zones of the at least one conductive material track
Implementation Method 2
at least one conductive material track arranged on at least one of the at least two faces of the substrate, with a zone adapted to act as an electrical contact terminal on the outside of the probe
Implementation Method 3
at least one passivating material layer arranged such that it partially covers the at least one conductive material track and leaves at least two free zones thereof uncovered
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
The monitoring probe (1) comprises: a FR-4 substrate (2) with two faces; two copper tracks (3) arranged on one of the faces of the substrate (2), with an electrical contact terminal (7) on the outside of the probe (1); a conductive region (6) with reference electrode functions, with an electrical contact terminal (8) on the outside of the probe (1), occupying the entire other face of the substrate (2); a passivating material layer (5) partially covering the copper tracks (3) and leaving two free zones (12, 13) of said tracks (3) uncovered, one of said free zones (12) corresponding to the electrical contact terminal (7) of the two copper tracks (3); and two ISE sensor elements (4) that are sensitive to at least one of the parameters of interest to be monitored in the ground, and arranged in the other of the free zones (13) of the two copper tracks (3).