ISFET pH meter for agriculture use
Agriculture varies from the home gardener to horticulture with commercial greenhouses. They all have a common thread: they sustain the world. Testing, monitoring and adjusting growth parameters help to maximize efficiency, quality and produce. The Sentron glass-free ISFET pH probes are a good solution for this.
Agriculture
Agriculture varies from the home gardener to horticulture with commercial greenhouses. They all have a common thread: they sustain the world. Testing, monitoring and adjusting growth parameters help to maximize efficiency, quality and produce. The Sentron glass-free ISFET pH probes are a good solution for this.
Agriculture and pH
Soil pH – a Measure for Plant Health
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Having the correct pH is important for healthy plant growth as it reflects the chemical conditions. For example, the pH controls the availability of nutrients. The solubility of certain elements increases by lower pH levels, slowing down or stopping root growth. Also, biological functions, microbial activity, and the behavior of chemicals is controlled by the pH levels. Knowing this, it is wise to check the soil pH frequently.
Healthy Soil pH – Important for Various Markets
As the soil pH has influence on the plant growth, the importance to check and adjust it is important for many market segments. To name a few: crop growth and fruit for the food market, hemp for the industrial and medical market, grass/ hay for the horse market. All of these are affected by a suboptimal soil pH. Thus checking and adjusting pH is of great importance.
How to Perform Soil pH Measurements
In soils, the pH is measured in a slurry of soil mixed with distilled water. The LanceFET pH probe, thanks to its PEEK tip with stainless steel point, is perfectly suited for this piercing application. After predrilling a pilot hole in the soil the more generally used ConeFET probe with a blunt tip of PEEK and ABS can also be used to measure the pH in the soil.
The positions of the ISFET and reference electrode have been designed to be clog and pollution resistant. In the event debris has accumulated on the sensor it can be easily cleaned with running tap or demineralized water and soft toothbrush, which benefits the probe’s performance and prolonged life.
Agriculture pH package
For easy use, we have assembled a complete agriculture package. This package is all you need for wireless, durable pH monitoring in the field. The use of a smartphone provides easy use of the app. Multiple probes can be connected to the app for simultaneous readings. The required buffer solutions and pre-drill stick complete the package. The carry case protects the equipment and provides easy carriage and storage.
What’s next?
By taking a serious look at all applications, we keep entering into new innovations in our semiconductor production facility. Soon we will launch sensors for EC and ORP, with which great multisensor solutions for e.g. water monitoring can be provided. Additionally, we’re looking forward to end the R&D on ion-selective sensors.
Multiple parameter monitoring with one single device
Soon we will launch sensors for EC and ORP. Imagine, all parameters to be monitored using one single device!
Measuring pH, electrical conductivity (EC) , and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) together can provide valuable information in a variety of applications. Here are a few examples:
• Water treatment: In water treatment, measuring pH, electrical conductivity, and ORP can help determine the effectiveness of water treatment processes and ensure that the water is safe for consumption.
• Chemical manufacturing: In chemical manufacturing, measuring pH, electrical conductivity, and ORP can help monitor the quality of products and optimize production processes.
• Environmental monitoring: In environmental monitoring, measuring pH, electrical conductivity, and ORP can help identify pollution and monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Aquaculture: In aquaculture, measuring pH, electrical conductivity, and ORP can help maintain proper conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Food and beverage production: In food and beverage production, measuring pH, electrical conductivity, and ORP can help ensure the quality and safety of products.
The EC and ORP will become available as extra parameters in the ISFET pH probe product line. This means that all three parameters can be measured with high precision and accuracy in one single device. This would make it a versatile and convenient tool for various applications, reducing the need for multiple probes and devices.
Additionally, the Sentron app provides user-friendly software and data management features that make it easy for users to record, analyze, and share their data.
The probes are reliable and durable as they can be easily renewed with just the replaceable sensor part. This is particularly beneficial for users who require frequent use and rigorous testing conditions.
EC: Electrical Conductivity
The EC is the measure of a material’s ability to allow the transport of an electric charge. This knowledge is important for water-quality monitoring in public water supplies, in hospitals, in boiler water and in industries which depend on water quality such as horticulture and breweries.
As we will produce the EC sensor in our own foundry, we will combine the EC sensor with the ISFET pH sensor into one single device. There are many applications where it would be beneficial to measure both pH and electrical conductivity. Some examples include:
- Agriculture: In agriculture, measuring the pH and electrical conductivity of soil can help farmers determine the appropriate amount of fertilizer to apply to their crops.
- Aquaculture: In aquaculture, measuring the pH and electrical conductivity of water can help maintain proper conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Industrial processes: In various industrial processes, measuring the pH and electrical conductivity of liquids can help monitor the quality of products and ensure consistent production.
- Environmental monitoring: In environmental monitoring, measuring the pH and electrical conductivity of water can help identify pollution and monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Low conductivities are expected for pure water applications like aquaria, household, drinking water and rivers. On the other side, high conductivities are expected for industries like irrigation and greenhouses.
ORP: Oxidation / Reduction Potential
The ORP is the measure of the tendency of aqueous solutions, or any other chemical species, to either acquire electrons from an electrode and be reduced thereby, or to lose electrons to an electrode and be oxidized thereby. This knowledge is important for water-quality monitoring in aquaria, swimming pools, as well as environmental and wastewater sampling. E.g. ORP is an indicator of micro-organism inactivation in a swimming pool or spa pool.
As we will produce the sensors in our own foundry, we will combine the ORP parameter with the ISFET pH sensor into one single device. Measuring pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) together can provide valuable information in a variety of applications. Here are a few examples:
- Water treatment: In water treatment, measuring pH and ORP can help determine the effectiveness of water treatment processes and ensure that the water is safe for consumption.
- Chemical manufacturing: In chemical manufacturing, measuring pH and ORP can help monitor the quality of products and optimize production processes.
- Environmental monitoring: In environmental monitoring, measuring pH and ORP can help identify pollution and monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems.
- Food and beverage production: In food and beverage production, measuring pH and ORP can help ensure the quality and safety of products.
High ORP values (positive potentials) are expected for aerated surface water, rivers, lakes, oceans and rainwater. Low ORP values (negative potentials) are expected in places with limitations in air supply such as submerged soils, swamps and marine sediments.
Ion-Selective Sensors
We started innovative developments on ion-selective sensors that have a membrane mixture suitable for detection of different ions based on the ISFET technology. Selectivity is based on proprietary modifications with several polymer matrix configurations. Nitrate (NO3–), Ammonium (NH4+) and Potassium (K+) are currently in development.
pH meter
Revolutionizing Agriculture: The ISFET pH Probe for Agriculture Use
pH plays a vital role in soil management and crop growth. The pH level of the soil affects the availability of nutrients, the activity of microorganisms, and the overall health and productivity of the plants. Traditional pH measurement methods involve using pH paper, which is time-consuming and inaccurate, or glass electrode pH meters, which are fragile and require regular calibration.
The ISFET pH meter for agriculture use offers an innovative and reliable solution to these challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using the ISFET pH meter for agriculture use and how it’s revolutionizing agriculture.
What is an ISFET pH meter for agriculture use?
An ISFET pH meter for agriculture use is a pH measurement tool designed specifically for agricultural applications. It uses an ISFET sensor to measure the pH level of soil, water, and other agricultural samples. The ISFET sensor offers several advantages over traditional glass electrode sensors, including faster response time, wider pH range, and higher resistance to contaminants and electrolytes.
Advantages of ISFET pH meter for agriculture use:
Faster and Accurate Measurements: ISFET pH meters provide fast and precise pH readings, allowing farmers and researchers to make timely decisions about crop management.
Wider pH Range: The ISFET pH meter for agriculture use has a wider pH range than traditional glass electrode pH meters, allowing for more accurate measurements of soil pH.
Resistance to Contaminants and Electrolytes: The ISFET sensor is more resistant to contaminants and electrolytes than glass electrodes, ensuring more accurate measurements even in challenging agricultural environments.
Portability: Some ISFET pH meters for agriculture use are portable, making them ideal for use in the field.
Cost-effective: The ISFET pH meter for agriculture use is a cost-effective solution for pH measurement in agriculture compared to traditional methods.
The ISFET pH meter for agriculture use is a game-changer for farmers and agricultural researchers. It provides fast, accurate, and reliable pH readings, leading to better soil management and crop yields. With its wider pH range, resistance to contaminants and electrolytes, and cost-effectiveness, the ISFET pH meter for agriculture use is the best choice for pH measurement in agriculture.