Real-Time Soil Analysis Device
Client
Cavendish Agri Services (CAS) is an agricultural supplier located in Dieppe, New Brunswick. They have twelve branches located across the Maritimes and Maine. They specialize in growing services such as fertilizer treatment, crop protectants, and farm supplies. In early spring CAS is hired by local farmers to take soil samples of their fields, and to provide consulting services. CAS can recommend fertilizers and crops based on the nutrient levels found in the soil samples. They can then provide the farmers with information to maximize crop yields while reducing fertilizer costs.
Problem Statement
The current method for soil sample testing that Cavendish Agri Services uses wastes a great deal of time as it is inefficient, off-site and outsourced. A new device is required that can test samples quickly and accurately while being portable
Soil Analysis Kit
Soil testing kit containing the tools required to test for Calicum, Potassium and pH in the soil.
The kit contains:
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Calcium & Potassium ISEs
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pH Electrode
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Probe Manifolds
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Calibration Solutions
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Soil Scoop
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Beaker
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Syringe
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Distilled Water & Mehlich 3
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Correction Factor
The correction factor used takes into account the dilution of the soil nutrients due to the solution added for the soil slurry. The equation used is:
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Testing
Prototype testing consisted of using 15g of soil, and 50mL of Mehlich 3 solution to create a soil slurry. The Ion Selective Electrodes (ISEs) were then submerged and a nutrient value was determined. The graphs depict the original values, the laboratory values obtained from the PEI Analytical Laboratory, and the values after a correction factor was applied.
The Team
The design team consisted of five third year engineering students including: Nathan Duncan, Brendan Gordon, Gabrielle Gray, Ashley McEachern and Dylan Tierney.
Soil Testing Video
The team created a sample video to show how a soil sample could be tested while out in the field. Calibrating and testing can be completed right in the kit, which can be placed on the bed of a truck.
