All-solid-state multimodal probe based on ISFET electrochemical microsensors for in-situ soil nutrients monitoring in agriculture

Abstract

We report the design of a silicon chip dedicated to the in-situ monitoring of soil nitrogen cycle in wheat crop. Our study shows that ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) microsensors are suitable for quick on-site or long-term analysis of nutrients measured directly in soil as opposed to soil extracts analysis. Our pH-ISFET recorded soil pH for six months with results in good accordance with standard sampling method and without any loss of sensitivity. The adaptation of pH-ISFET in pNO3 and pNH4-ISFET allowed, for the first time, the insitu measurements of natural variations of soil nitrogen contents caused by microorganisms' activity.

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“…Proximal sensors a) location sensors (using GPS and RTK) [16] [17]; b) optical sensors to measure soil properties such as soil reflectance, water deprivation and nitrogen shortages in plants, etc. [18] [19]; c) electrochemical sensors for soil properties such as pH and nitrogen values [20]; d) mechanical sensors to measure properties such as soil compaction [21]; e) dielectric sensors to measure soil moisture and soil composition [22]; f) airflow sensors measuring other soil properties; g) movement and temperature sensors usually for dairy or livestock [23] [24] [25], field weather stations measuring temperature, humidity, and air pressure [26].…”

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“…Based on this threshold voltage variation, any threshold voltage dependent property such as current can be measured, providing realistic information about the chemical concentration in soil. 114,115 In general, ISFETs are more compatible than ISEs for IC design and, hence, provide the benefit of device miniaturization, good integration into the system along with good sensitivity. 13 However, special care needs to be taken while packing the ISFETs before inserting them into the soil to avoid unwanted damage caused by the surrounding medium.…”

“…Functional polymeric films have also been explored in ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) which are an electrochemical sensing platform having silanized semiconductor surfaces. , Here, the variation of the threshold voltage occurs in response to the change in ion concentration. Based on this threshold voltage variation, any threshold voltage dependent property such as current can be measured, providing realistic information about the chemical concentration in soil. , In general, ISFETs are more compatible than ISEs for IC design and, hence, provide the benefit of device miniaturization, good integration into the system along with good sensitivity . However, special care needs to be taken while packing the ISFETs before inserting them into the soil to avoid unwanted damage caused by the surrounding medium.…”