Agriculture
February 6, 2024
Chameleon Soil Moisture Sensor
Read SolutionImplemented by
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Updated on February 7, 2024
·Created on October 20, 2020
SoilSense is an aerial moisture sensor that is capable of measuring soil moisture using soil moisture's electromagnetic responses.
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.
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
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Implemented by
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