Real-time multi ISFET/FIA soil analysis system with automatic sample extraction

Thumbnail Image
Date
2001-07-01
Authors
Birrell, Stuart
Hummel, John
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Person
Birrell, Stuart
Professor
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Abstract

Successful implementation of site-specific crop management relies on accurate quantification of spatial variation of important factors. Therefore, there is a tremendous need for the development of sensing technologies that will allow automated collection of soil, crop and pest data, to more accurately characterize within-field variability. The objective of this work was to develop an integrated multi-sensor soil analysis system. Ion-selective field effect transistor (ISFET) technology was coupled with flow injection analysis (FIA) to produce a real-time soil analysis system. Testing of the ISFET/ FIA system for soil analysis was carried out in two stages: (1) using manually extracted samples, and (2) the soil to be analysed was placed in the automated soil extraction system, and the extracted solution fed directly into the FIA system. The sensor was successful in measuring soil nitrates in manually extracted soil solutions (r2>0.9). The rapid response of the system allowed a sample to be analysed in 1.25 s, which is satisfactory for real-time soil sensing. Precision and accuracy of the system were highly dependent on maintaining precise, repetitive injection times and maintaining constant flow parameters during the calibration and testing cycle. The progress toward an automated soil extraction system was notable, but considerable effort will be necessary before commercialization can be realized. However, the concept of using ISFETs for the real-time analysis of soil nitrates is sound. The rapid response and low sample volumes required by the multi-sensor ISFET/FIA system make it a viable candidate for use in real-time soil nutrient sensing.

Comments

This article is from Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 32 (2001): 45–67, doi:10.1016/S0168-1699(01)00159-4.

Description
Keywords
Citation
DOI
Copyright
Collections