Design and Development of a Charcoal-Based Sensor for Enhanced Soil Analysis in Precision Agriculture

This research work introduces a new way of analyzing soil, combining an innovative sensor technology with complex mathematical models. Central to our methodology is an economically efficient charcoal sensor system, meticulously designed to proficiently identify primary soil components like moisture, urea, and organic content. We capitalized on the inherent attributes of raw wood charcoal, employing a potential divider network for reliable voltage detection. The comprehensive analysis of charcoal powder, achieved through Finite Element Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), confirmed its ideal composition for the envisaged sensing functions. The functionality of the sensor was evaluated by targeting two vital parameters—moisture and nitrogen/urea content. Notably, we discovered an almost linear association between the sensor's node voltages and the soil's water or urea volume, validating the sensor's sensitivity and consistency. Furthering the frontier of soil analysis, we conceptualized an algorithm to estimate soil organic content. This representation was iteratively fine-tuned to attain an accuracy of 0.9999. The ramifications of our study extend significantly into precision agriculture. By providing an accessible yet potent instrument for electronic soil evaluation, the proposed work has the potential to revolutionize crop management and amplify agricultural productivity. The unique combination of affordability, precision, and simplicity makes this sensor system an ideal candidate for global implementation, signaling the dawn of a new epoch of sustainable agriculture and bolstered food security worldwide.