100% found this document useful (1 vote)
525 views3 pages

Sensor Nutrient

Sensor Nutrisi

Uploaded by

hirlan f
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Soil Fertility,
  • Electrochemical Analysis,
  • Sensor Calibration,
  • Arduino Microcontroller,
  • Nutrient Solutions,
  • Nutrient Recommendations,
  • Soil Nutrient Mapping,
  • Agricultural Innovation,
  • Soil Properties,
  • Plant Growth
100% found this document useful (1 vote)
525 views3 pages

Sensor Nutrient

Sensor Nutrisi

Uploaded by

hirlan f
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Soil Fertility,
  • Electrochemical Analysis,
  • Sensor Calibration,
  • Arduino Microcontroller,
  • Nutrient Solutions,
  • Nutrient Recommendations,
  • Soil Nutrient Mapping,
  • Agricultural Innovation,
  • Soil Properties,
  • Plant Growth

Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST) Page | 40

Volume 1, Issue 4, Pages 40-42, May 2017

Soil Nutrient Identification Using Arduino


R.Sindhuja1 and B.Krithiga2
1UG Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, IFET College of Engineering, Villupuram, Tamilnadu, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, IFET College of Engineering, Villupuram, Tamilnadu, India.

Article Received: 30 April 2017 Article Accepted: 14 May 2017 Article Published: 17 May 2017

ABSTRACT

Continuous cropping without the adequate measurement and provisioning of the soil nutrient may endanger the sustainability of the agriculture. Soil
nutrient measurement is greatly required for proper plant growth and effective fertilization. A key in soil testing for formulated fertilization is to
determine the amount of soil nutrients, followed by recommendation of the nutrient needs and site specific fertilization. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and
Potassium are the three important nutrients required for the plant growth. In the present work electrochemical sensor has been developed to determine
the N, P, K and other types of nutrients present in the soil. The electrochemical sensor is based on the principle of absorption of ions from the aqueous
solution of soil. Here the sensor along with the Arduino Microcontroller circuits is built to detect the deficient component of the soil.
Keywords: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Electrochemical sensor, Arduino microcontroller and Nutrients.

1. INTRODUCTION management of essential soil nutrients play a vital role.


Production of crop depends on the interaction between soil Technology plays an expedient role for improvement of
and plant properties. Maximization of production of crops is environment and for achieving the economic goals.
reflected by biological, physical, chemical condition of the
soil. Root absorbs required amount of nutrients and water 2. EXISTING SYSTEM
from the soil where biochemical reactions takes place. Plant The existing system deals with the actual detection of NPK
rate of nutrient absorption depends on the minerals available values of the soil using multimode plastic fiber optic sensor.
in the soil. Production of crops degrades with the insufficient Aqueous solution of soil under test is illuminated by different
rate of supply of any necessary nutrients. Although the light colors.
requirement of particular nutrient is determined by the plant in
the soil, some of the nutrients are necessary for all the plants The principle of optical NPK fiber is based on the interaction
in great amount known as Macro moles or Macronutrients. between incident light and the soil surface properties, such
Root environment of the plant can be changed by supplying that the reflected light vary due to the soil physical and
the nutrient from outside the soil is known as fertilization. chemical properties. This sensor works on the colorimetric
principle, which deals with the measurement of colored
However proper distribution of fertilizer is required for intensity. The sensor probe consists of seven fibers arranged
proper crop production. Over and under provisioning of the in concentric configuration with central fiber acts as receiving
fertilizer can greatly reduce the harvest production rate. fiber and surrounding six fibers acts as transmitting fiber. The
Traditional fertilization system in Bangladesh relies on driving circuit of LED consists of voltage to current
farmers experience in cultivation and weather condition. This converter, buffer and a subtractor.
type of manual fertilization without proper justification of soil
condition is error prone. To fulfill the increasing demand of The colored light passed through the fiber to aqueous solution
growing population over years there is a need of increasing of soil sample. Depending upon NPK values of the soil light
food production. Improper use of fertilizers in turn results into pf particular wavelength and strength gets absorbed by the
poor quality in fruits, vegetable lagging in size, taste, quality, solution and remaining gets reflected back. Reflected light is
quantity. get collected by the receiver probe and then converted to
electrical signal using phototransistor. The sensor output is
Quantity of NPK is dependent on crop type and on plant calibrated in terms of deficient component values as per the
growth status. How much quantity of fertilizer to be used is standard color chart. Results are not accurate and it requires
further dependent on present contents of NPK nutrients in the more time.
soil. Since the macronutrients vary even on small scale
throughout the cultivated field, numerous researchers have 3. PROPOSED SYSTEM
attempted to develop the sensor to map these nutrient In this system we demonstrate an automatic electrochemical
contents. To get the correct amount of nutrients to be sensor system for continuous nutrient determination. The
provided and to choose the right crop for multiple cropping in flow-through electrochemical sensor system with two
the same land, we need to measure the actual amount of electrode system work based on flow injection analysis (FIA)
nutrients present in the soil. For achieving the sustainable technique for detecting the nutrients. The primary aim of this
agriculture maintaining and for minimizing any countrys system to develop a sensitive and reliable electrochemical
economic losses and environmental impacts, proper
2017 AJAST All rights reserved. [Link]
Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST) Page | 41
Volume 1, Issue 4, Pages 40-42, May 2017

sensor system for monitoring the nutrients in soil sample for have the potential to be produced in batches to very small size
long-term applications. by using MEMS-based micro fabrication technology at low
costs. Besides, small sized sensors require small volume of
3.1 Block Diagram reagent and samples, which can also reduce the cost in soil
testing.

4.2 Ion Selective Field Effect Transistor


ISFET is the integration of ISE and field effect transistor
(FET). The ion selective membrane is placed on top of the
insulation layer of FET structure, so the threshold voltage of
ISFET can be chemically modulated and the measured
voltage is related to concentration of the targeted ion. ISFETs
have several advantages over ISEs, such as small dimensions,
low output impedance, high signal to noise ratio, fast response
and the ability to integrate multi-ISFETs on one chip. This
type tends to detect not only N, P, K but also other nutrients
such as ammonium (NH4), manganese, cobalt, sulphur, iron,
calcium etc.

4.3 Arduino UNO Microcontroller

4. BLOCK DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION


The soil nutrient identification system consists of
electrochemical sensor, arduino microcontroller, serial port,
cable connector, regulated power supply, soil sample, LCD
display and PC.

4.1 Electrochemical Sensor

Figure: Arduino Uno Microcontroller

Arduino is an open source computer hardware that designs


and manufactures microcontroller based kits for building
digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and
control objects in physical world. These system provides sets
of digital analog I/O pins, serial communication interfaces,
USB port for loading programs from the personal computer.
For programming the microcontrollers, it provides an
integrated development environment (IDE) based on
Figure 4.1 Electrochemical sensor processing project which support for C, C++, Java
programming languages. The main features includes Atmega
The electrochemical sensor consists of two electrodes which 328, 32 KB of flash memory of which 0.5 KB used by
responds to targeted ion and transforms the reactions to bootloader, 2KB of SRAM, 1KB of EEPROM, 16MHz clock
detectable electrical signals. Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) speed, ICSP header, power jack, 6 analog I/O pins, 14 digital
and Ion Selective Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) are the two I/O pins, 6 pulse width modulation output pins, input voltage
types of commonly used potentiometric electrochemical is 7-12v and its operating voltage is 5v.
sensor for soil nutrient detection. Here ISEs is not suitable for
real-time sensing applications because of their time delay 5. CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
(several minutes). An electrochemical sensor consists of a
diffusion barrier, a sensing electrode and a counter electrode.
In an environment free of chemically reactive gases, oxygen
diffuses into the cell and adsorbs on both electrode. The result
is a stable potential between the two in which the little current
flows. The cell chemical process at this point,

O2 + 2H2O +4e- --- 4OH-

Oxygen enters through the sensor through the capillary where


it comes in contact with the cathode and it immediately
reduced to hydroxyl ions. This type of electrochemical sensor
is based on ISFET technology. The electrochemical sensor Figure: Circuit Design
2017 AJAST All rights reserved. [Link]
Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST) Page | 42
Volume 1, Issue 4, Pages 40-42, May 2017

Here the electrochemical sensor is connected to the analog [2] M. L. Stablen, J. W. Ellsworth , D. M. Sullivan, D.
input port of arduino controller board and the LCD module is Horneck, B. D. Brown, R. G. Stevens, Monitoring Soil
connected to arduino output port. The electrochemical sensor Nutrients Using Management Unit Approach, in PNW
with two electrode is dipped into soil sample, where the soil 570-E, October 2012.
sample is taken as little wet dry matter. The power supply is
ON, where current passes through the circuit. When the [3] Carrie A. M. Laboski and John B. Peters, Nutrient
current passes through the electrode, oxygen diffuses into the Application Guidelines for Field, Vegetable, Fruits and Crops
cell and absorbs by both electrode. The arduino get the analog in Wincosin (A2809), 2013.
input signal from the electrochemical sensor, where the sensor
senses the nutrient present given soil sample and the signal [4] N. V. Hue, R. Uchida, M. C. Ho, Sampling and Analysis
sends to the arduino. Then the flow injection analysis (FIA) of Plants and Soil Tissues, How to take representative
will be carried out inside the arduino. It will be programmed samples, How the samples are tested, in Plant Nutrient
using arduino communication software. After programming, Management in Hawaii soils, Approaches for Tropical and
it will be compiled and converted to the machine language. Sub-tropical Agriculture, 2014.
Then this code file will be dumped to the arduino board.
Finally the FIA analysis will be carried inside arduino [5] C. Jones and J. Jacobsen, Plant Nutrition and Soil
controller and the output will be displayed in the LCD and PC Fertility, in Nutrient Management Modules, No. 2, 2014.
through the serial communication.
[6] A Survey on Soil Testing, [Link]
6. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS com/item/2374/soil-testing-savvy, Accessed on 15th May
2015.

Figure: Output

The output displayed through the PC shows the nutrient


present in the soil sample. This shows the accurate percentage
value of the nutrients in the soil. The displayed nutrients not
only shows the nutrients present in the soil but also in the
dissolved water or aqueous solution.

7. CONCLUSION
Time is the critical factor for soil nutrient detection since the
variability of soil nutrient levels may be quiet high over time.
Due to complex soil pretreatment and chemical analysis,
standard testing time for NPK is time consuming.
Electrochemical sensor rapidly responds to targeted ions in
minutes, suitable for in-field rapid detection. The advantages
of potentiometric electrochemical sensors are stimulating the
interest of applications in soil nutrient detection. They have
potential for automated multi-targeted rapid detection of soil
nutrients. Advanced engineering technologies have opened
our mind and provided new approaches for soil testing to
follow the KISS (Keep It Simple and Stupid) principle to treat
the complex soil testing procedures with simpler
methodology at a lower cost.

REFERENCES
[1] C. M. A. Brett and A. M. Oliveira Brett, Electrochemistry,
Principles, Methods and Applications. Chap. 10, Oxford
University Press, Oxford (1993).

2017 AJAST All rights reserved. [Link]

Common questions

Powered by AI

Adopting electrochemical soil nutrient sensors in agriculture can lead to significant environmental benefits by promoting precise fertilization, reducing excess nutrient runoff into water bodies, and decreasing environmental pollution. Economically, these sensors enhance crop yield by ensuring that plants receive optimal nutrient levels, thus maximizing agricultural productivity. They also reduce costs associated with overuse or incorrect application of fertilizers by enabling precise nutrient management. Furthermore, the real-time monitoring capabilities of these sensors support sustainable farming practices and long-term agricultural planning, thereby contributing positively to both environmental preservation and economic gain .

The electrochemical soil nutrient detection system comprises the electrochemical sensor, Arduino microcontroller, power supply, LCD display, and PC interface. The sensor, immersed in a soil sample, consists of electrodes that detect ions and convert these reactions into electrical signals. These signals are sent to the Arduino microcontroller, which processes the data using pre-programmed instructions. The processed data is then displayed on an LCD and can be communicated to a PC for further analysis. This interaction facilitates real-time monitoring and reporting of soil nutrient levels .

Electrochemical sensors offer improved accuracy and efficiency in soil nutrient measurement by rapidly responding to target ions in soil samples. These sensors work on principles such as potentiometry, which allows for direct measurement of ion concentrations through reactions at the sensor's electrodes. Unlike traditional methods, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive, electrochemical sensors provide quick and accurate readings even for minute quantities of nutrients. Additionally, their integration with microcontrollers, like Arduino, enables real-time data processing and facilitates digital communication of results, which streamlines the nutrient analysis process .

Flow injection analysis (FIA) is a technique that enhances soil nutrient detection by allowing continuous flow of aqueous soil samples through the electrochemical sensor system. This technique, employed in modern sensors, facilitates real-time analysis and ensures that fresh samples are constantly examined, reducing the time delay associated with batch testing methods. FIA improves the analytical throughput and sensitivity of nutrient detection, as it provides a transient yet constant introduction of sample material to the sensor, resulting in more stable and rapid responses. This continuous mode of analysis supports the dynamic monitoring of nutrient levels, enabling more responsive and accurate soil management strategies .

Developing low-cost, efficient soil nutrient detection systems poses engineering challenges such as miniaturization, cost reduction, and maintaining accuracy and reliability. These challenges can be addressed through the use of MEMS-based microfabrication technology, which allows for the production of small, cost-effective sensors. Integration of ISFET technology further improves sensor performance by enabling rapid, multi-nutrient detection on a single chip. Additionally, using open-source platforms like Arduino for sensor integration reduces development costs and facilitates customization. Continued advancements in materials science and electronics can also contribute to more durable and sensitive sensors, enhancing their application across different agricultural contexts .

Using Arduino microcontrollers in soil nutrient detection systems significantly enhances the functionality and user-friendliness of these systems. Arduino offers capabilities for rapid prototyping and integration with various sensors because of its range of digital and analog I/O pins, as well as its compatibility with numerous programming environments. It simplifies the communication between the sensor data inputs and digital displays or computers, aiding in real-time data monitoring and visualization . This integration also allows for easier customization and scaling of systems, enhancing their applicability across different agricultural setups and improving decision-making processes through timely and accurate soil nutrient data .

The colorimetric principle in existing soil sensors involves measuring the intensity of color change when a soil sample interacts with light, indicating the presence of specific nutrients based on the reflected light. This method relies on optical properties and requires calibration against color standards, which can lead to inaccuracies. In contrast, the electrochemical principle used in the proposed system directly measures the electrical response generated by ion interactions with sensor electrodes, offering higher specificity and sensitivity. It provides faster and more reliable quantification of nutrient concentrations without the need for color interpretation, thereby addressing several limitations of the colorimetric approach .

Macro and micronutrients are essential for plant growth; macronutrients are required in larger amounts compared to micronutrients. Proper management of these nutrients is crucial for sustainable agriculture as they influence crop yields and quality. Technology plays a significant role by providing tools and systems to accurately measure and manage soil nutrients. These include the use of advanced sensors, such as electrochemical sensors integrated with Arduino microcontrollers, which can continuously monitor soil nutrient levels and automate fertilization processes based on real-time data .

Traditional soil nutrient testing methods face challenges such as being time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, due to their reliance on manual sample preparation and chemical reactions under controlled laboratory conditions. These methods also require significant expertise to interpret results. Electronic sensors, such as electrochemical sensors, address these challenges by enabling rapid, automated, and accurate nutrient detection directly in the field. They reduce the reliance on manual intervention, provide real-time data, and can be relatively simple to use owing to their integration with microcontrollers, which automate data collection and analysis processes .

ISFET-based electrochemical sensors have several advantages over ISEs, including smaller size, lower output impedance, and higher signal-to-noise ratio, making them more suitable for real-time and in-field applications. ISFETs can quickly respond to changes in ion concentrations due to their faster response times. They also support integrated multi-nutrient analysis by allowing multiple ISFETs to be combined on a single chip. This capability enhances the ability to simultaneously detect a wide range of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ammonium, manganese, and others, without significant delay, thereby facilitating comprehensive soil nutrient monitoring .

You might also like