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Development Of An On-The-Spot Analyzer For Measuring Soil Chemical Properties
V. I. Adamchuk, N. Dhawale, F. Rene-Laforest
McGill University
Proximal soil sensing (PSS) is a growing area of research and development focusing on the use of sensors to obtain information on the physical, chemical and biological attributes of soil when they are placed in contact with, or at a distance of less than 2 m, from the target. These sensor systems have been used to 1) make measurements at specific locations, 2) produce a set of measurements related to soil depth profiles, or 3) monitor changes in soil properties over time. In each case, PSS reduces the number of soil samples needed for the follow-up measurements of soil attributes according to traditional techniques. PSS has been applied to a variety of problems where combining measurements with geographic coordinates allows for the creation of geographical maps. PSS-based data has been used in agriculture, construction, ecology, archaeology, and other important activities. With different instruments based on electrical, electromagnetic, optical, radiometric, magnetic, seismic, mechanical, acoustic, electrochemical and other measurement techniques, it is possible to better understand spatial and temporal soil heterogeneity. Due to the complex nature of soil, sensors are able to respond to a variety of soil properties, which leads to the need to pursue sensor fusion. By combining different data sources (including remote sensing and distractive soil sample analysis), the quality of the obtained information can be increased while keeping costs to a minimum. One of the most attractive approaches is to create high-resolution thematic soil maps using sensor systems that are moved across landscapes. These on-the-go soil sensors make periodic measurements while traveling across the terrain and they associate each measurement with its geographic coordinates. The main disadvantage of on-the-go sensing is the limited time allowed for each measurement and, when using contact techniques, soil distortion is created along the entire path that is travelled. This is especially relevant to the mapping of soil chemical attributes using potentiometry. This method requires the collection of a small amount of soil from a predefined depth and bringing it into contact with a combination of pH and other ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). In a typical commercial operation, an average 12 s per measurement allows for more than 20 measurements per hectare while operating at 10 km/h in parallel passes 15 m apart. As an alternative to on-the-go mapping techniques, on-the-spot measurements can be made where spatially sporadic measurements are needed or field surface coverage does not allow for the continuous engagement between soil and parts of the sensor system (e.g., pasture). For example, a manual probe can be used to make real-time measurements of soil pH, soluble potassium, or residual nitrate (depending on the type of ISE) while walking the test area. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) mounted with commercially available equipment can be used to make similar measurements in a consistent and more ergonomic manner. In both cases, the equipment has been limited to only one electrode and the need for an operator to conduct the test. The objective of this paper is to report on the development of an on-the-spot soil analyzer (OSA) capable of simultaneously deploying several different sensors to measure soil properties at a predefined depth. The mechanism developed is able to rapidly remove topsoil, condition the soil surface and bring the designated sensors into direct contact with the soil. After the measurements are obtained and the geographical coordinates are recorded, the analyzer is converted into transportation mode and then, it is ready for the next set of measurements. Unlike other systems, this mechanism allows for the deployment of multiple sensors at a given measurement depth, and in a completely automated mode of operation. This technology should provide an opportunity to extend the suite of deployable sensors and to automate the process, thus, allowing for advanced sensor fusion algorithms and integrated data acquisition practices.
Keyword
: proximal soil sensing, ion-selective electrode, soil pH, automation
V. I. Adamchuk
N. Dhawale
F. Rene-laforest
Proximal Sensing in Precision Agriculture
Oral
2014
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