In-field determination of soil ion content using a handheld device and screen-printed solid-state ion-selective electrodes.

ABSTRACT: Small-holding farmers in the developing world suffer from sub-optimal crop yields because they lack a soil diagnostic system that is affordable, usable, and actionable. This paper details the fabrication and characterization of an integrated point-of-use soil-testing system, comprised of disposable ion-selective electrode strips and a handheld electrochemical reader. Together, the strips and reader transduce soil ion concentrations into to an alphanumeric output that can be communicated via text message to a central service provider offering immediate, customized fertilizer advisory. The solid-state ion-selective electrode (SS-ISE) strips employ a two-electrode design with screen-printable carbon nanotube ink serving as the electrical contacts for the working and reference electrodes. The

SUBMITTER: Rosenberg R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6155443 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature