New technology for sensing soil nutrients

Farmers need accurate information about soil nutrient content if they are to apply the correct amount of fertiliser. Traditional laboratory testing is however laborious, taking up to three weeks to complete.

Now, a cost-effective, real-time soil nutrient sensor that delivers a result in less than five hours has been advanced by the EU-funded NUTRI-STAT project. The device measures nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium micronutrients, as well as the electrical conductivity and pH of the soil.

The sensor components, including electrodes and advanced lab-on-a-chip technology, are enclosed in a porous ceramic/PVC material, with readings displayed on a remote LCD controller. This allows farmers to bury the device itself in the soil indefinitely, without fear of damaging it.

NUTRI-STAT has thus provided the agricultural sector with a pioneering technology that ensures the efficient application of fertiliser. This is important to ensure proper disease management and to boost crop productivity, but also to comply with strict EU fertiliser legislation.