We love to explore the soil

Our research focuses on developing applications for optical and electrochemical sensors, hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy, and smartphone-based soil sensing technologies. We integrate various proximal soil sensing technologies, including portable x-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometry and visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectrometry (VisNIR DRS). Our group has also developed smartphone-based soil sensors with advanced image processing via machine learning and deep learning algorithms.

Equipments

Our tools for innovation

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy with diffuse reflectance is a powerful technique for rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive soil spectral analysis. It requires only a small amount of sample to identify soil organic matter, mineral composition, and contaminants by analyzing infrared absorption patterns. This technique is becoming increasingly popular in precision agriculture and environmental monitoring for soil health assessment, as it enables real-time soil analysis for better decision-making and sustainable land management.

Portable X-RAY Fluroscence

Portable X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy or PXRF is a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive technique for soil analysis. This sensor can be used both in the lab and in the field with minimal soil processing. It determines elemental composition, including essential nutrients and heavy metals, by detecting characteristic X-ray emissions in just 90 seconds.

Spectroradiometer

Visible-Near Infrared spectroscopy is another rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive technique for soil analysis. It requires only a small sample to assess soil properties such as organic matter, moisture content, and soil nutrients by analyzing spectral reflectance patterns. This technique has gained popularity in precision agriculture and environmental monitoring for soil health assessment, enabling real-time soil analysis for improved decision-making and sustainable land management. This sensor can be used both in the lab and in the field.

Nix Pro Colorimeter

Nix Pro is a compact, portable color sensor used for rapid and non-invasive soil analysis by capturing precise color data. It enables quick assessment of soil properties such as organic matter, moisture content, and texture by analyzing soil color, which is a key indicator of soil health. The device is easy to use in both field and laboratory settings, providing instant results without the need for complex sample preparation.

FLIR Thermal Imager

FLIR thermal imaging cameras are used for non-contact temperature measurement in soil science research. They provide high-resolution thermal images that help identify temperature variations in the soil profile, which are critical for understanding soil-plant interactions, water movement, and heat fluxes in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. These cameras are widely used in precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and geothermal studies to assess soil health, water availability, and energy balance.

Hyperspectral Camera FX-10 & FX-17

Hyperspectral cameras are advanced imaging devices that capture detailed spectral information across the electromagnetic spectrum. They are used for non-invasive soil analysis by detecting unique spectral signatures of soil components, such as organic matter, minerals, and contaminants. These cameras provide high-resolution images with hundreds of spectral bands, enabling precise identification and mapping of soil properties for precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and geospatial analysis.

Portable soil moisture measuring kit-Theta Probe

The ML3 ThetaProbe is a portable soil moisture measuring kit that provides accurate and reliable data on soil moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity. It is used for non-invasive soil analysis in the field to monitor soil water availability, plant water uptake, and irrigation management. The kit consists of a soil moisture sensor, data logger, and software for real-time data collection and analysis, making it ideal for precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and water resource management.