Soil Water Sampling Probe With In-Situ Nutrient Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil analysis systems are limited in their ability to efficiently collect and analyze soil water samples for nutrient levels and other parameters in real-time, particularly in agricultural settings, and lack integration of sample processing and communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable soil water collection and analysis system that integrates soil pore water extraction, processing, and chemical analysis into a unified platform, capable of real-time analysis and data communication, with modular probes and remote deployment options for stationary or mobile use, and includes a programmable controller for automated operation and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If soil water samples are collected and analyzed using traditional separate systems, then sample collection and analysis can be performed, but the analysis time is extended and real-time monitoring is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample collection, processing, and analysis functions into a single integrated portable system. The lysimeter probe collects soil water samples in the field, which are then automatically processed and analyzed by the portable laboratory equipment, eliminating the time delay associated with transporting samples to centralized laboratories and enabling real-time nutrient monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable system performs multiple functions including sample collection via lysimeter probes, sample processing with extraction devices, chemical analysis using various analytical techniques, and data communication. This multi-functional integration allows the single system to handle the entire analytical workflow from field sampling to result generation, significantly reducing analysis time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If soil analysis systems are deployed with full processing capabilities, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but the system complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: lysimeter probes for sample collection, extraction devices for sample processing, analytical instruments for analysis, and communication modules for data transmission. Each module is independently designed and can be selectively configured based on specific monitoring needs, maintaining portability while providing comprehensive analysis capabilities when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture allows dynamic configuration and scaling of processing capabilities. Users can deploy the system with minimal equipment for basic monitoring or add additional processing and analysis modules as needed, enabling the system to adapt its complexity level to match the specific requirements of different agricultural monitoring scenarios.
3Productivity
If manual soil sampling and analysis procedures are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but the productivity and efficiency of nutrient monitoring are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The lysimeter probes continuously collect and store soil water samples in the field before analysis is required. This preliminary sample collection and storage capability allows the system to be ready for immediate analysis at any time, eliminating waiting periods for sample preparation and enabling on-demand monitoring that significantly improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated sample processing capabilities including extraction devices that automatically process collected samples, and integrated analytical instruments that perform analysis without requiring extensive manual intervention. This self-service automation reduces labor requirements while maintaining high monitoring efficiency.
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 efficient, real-time analysis of soil nutrients and parameters across multiple locations, reducing analysis time and providing farmers with detailed nutrient profiles for targeted fertilizer application, while being adaptable for various agricultural and environmental monitoring applications.
Implementation Method 1
a porous media configured for filtering water from the soil
Implementation Method 2
a porous media configured for filtering water from the soil
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum pump configured for drawing a vacuum on the porous media for extracting a water sample
Implementation Method 4
combining the sample with one or more reagents specifically selected to cause a chemical reaction with the targeted analyte(s), and analyzing the resultant property change
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for collecting and chemically analyzing water samples extracted from the soil to measure one or more analytes of interest such as soil nutrient levels of agricultural interest for increasing crop yield and quality in one use of the system. The system includes a sample collection probe (20) comprising a filter media (26) arranged to contact the soil when embedded therein and capture a water sample from the soil, and operably coupled to a sample processing sub-system (180) thereby collectively forming a sampling station (190). The sub-system (180) is configured to receive and analyze the water sample. A programmable probe controller (60) directs operation of the sample collection, processing, and chemical analysis in situ. A networked array (110) of sampling probes dispersed throughout the field may communicate wirelessly with at least one remote electronic device such as via the cloud computing (102). A modular version of a sampling probe (200) permits customized sampling at various soil depths.