Soil and Crop Sensing Technology

A variety of essential soil properties on the go are being developed is measure by sensor. These sensors can be used to generate field maps of particular soil properties, to control variable rate application equipment in real-time or in conjunction with a Global Positioning System (GPS).

Measuring Soil Properties:
In an ideal precision agriculture system, visualize a sensor located in direct contact with, or close to, the ground and connected to a “black box” which analyzes sensor response, processes the data, and changes the application rate instantaneously.

Few types of sensors:
1. Electromagnetic- The capability for soil particles to conduct or accumulate electrical charge is measured by electric circuits which is used in Electromagnetic sensors.

2. Optical- Optical sensors use light reflectance to characterize soil.

3. Mechanical- Mechanical sensors can be used to estimate soil mechanical resistance.

4. Electrochemical- Electrochemical sensors could provide the most important type of information needed for precision agriculture — soil nutrient levels and pH.

5. Airflow- Airflow sensors were used to measure soil air permeability on the go.

6. Acoustic- It determine soil texture by measuring the change in noise level due to the interaction of a tool with soil particles.

Source : http://cropwatch.unl.edu/