Soilsense Soil Sensor

Product Description

SoilSense is an aerial soil moisture sensor that provides a moisture map of a field/farm in minutes. The sensor measures soil moisture using electromagnetic pulses to detect the reflective qualities of moisture in the soil. By this process, the sensor is able to distinguish between moisture in leaves and soil moisture to provide accurate measurements. The data obtained from the sensor is used to manage the irrigation systems on fields/farms.

Target SDGs

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Market Suggested Retail Price

$500.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

SoilSense works with farmers, universities such as MIT and Technical University of Denmark, along with other agricultural organizations and corporate partners who seek to save water and improve the food-chain for small and medium-sized farmers.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The SoilSense sensors are built in Denmark.

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Farmers can obtain the SoilSense directly by ordering the product on the SoilSense company website. The company is currently working together with local agricultural organizations to make the product accessible to avocado farmers in Peru.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Accuracy range

Unknown

Parameters tested

Soil moisture

Power source

Batteries powered by solar energy

Sensor

Gypsum sensor technology and IoT communication tools (LoRa wireless communications)

Design Specifications

SoilSense soil sensor is a remote monitoring system that provides users with data on soil moisture, which is then used to manage the irrigation systems to ensure high food production while decreasing water usage. The sensor can be mounted on a drone to give a quick map of the field's soil moisture. The algorithm used for the product allows for the data collected by the sensor to be delivered to a mobile phone or computer in real-time to enable farmers take actionable steps to ensure they are not over-irrigating their fields or leaving them too dry. SoilSense uses a long-range wireless technology which gives the sensor a wide range.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Currently, the manufacturers work together with their partners to run pilot tests.

Replacement Components

Batteries

Lifecycle

5-10 years

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The product helps to increase yield, reduce water usage and grow healthier crops.

Vetted Performance Status

In a study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), SoilSense was proven to enable farmers to irrigate their farms efficiently through its user-centered design.

Safety

There are no known safety risks linked to the use of this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

The sensor works together with a software platform and a notification system.

Academic Research and References

Wong, J. C., 2018, Designing user-centered IoT solutions for small-scale and mid-scale farmers, Master of Science Dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.

González-Teruel, J. D., Torres-Sánchez, R., Blaya-Ros, P. J., Toledo-Moreo, A. B., Jiménez-Buendía, M., and Soto-Valles, F., 2019, Design and calibration of a low-cost SDI-12 soil moisture sensor. Sensors, 19(3), pp 491.

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

MIT and Technical University of Denmark SoilSense contact Drone SoilSense system Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sensors and Design technology