CPC G01N 27/414 (2013.01) [G01K 13/00 (2013.01); G01N 27/041 (2013.01); G01N 27/27 (2013.01); G01N 33/246 (2013.01); G01N 33/245 (2024.05)] | 20 Claims |
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a housing;
a first sensor array segment comprising an antenna;
a second sensor array segment disposed at least partially within the housing, the second sensor array segment comprising:
a soil moisture sensor,
an electrical conductivity (EC) sensor, and
an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) nutrient sensor comprising a ruggedized, ion-sensitive membrane configured to detect, during use and in real time, a nutrient in an adjacent region of soil;
wherein the ruggedized, ion-sensitive membrane is a matrix material achieving a rating of at least 5 A under ASTM D3359 and a rating of at least 7 under ASTM D6677 and is comprised of a sealant/adhesive, ionophores, ionic additives, and plasticizers and the sealant/adhesive comprises 30% to about 90% (w/w) of the matrix material; and
at least one reference electrode comprising a frit configured to enable ionic transport from the soil to a solid-state electrolyte, the solid-state electrolyte disposed within the at least one reference electrode body and comprising a variable mixture of deionized water, plaster of Paris and sodium chloride, and wherein the at least one reference electrode electrically coupled to each of the first sensor array segment and the second sensor array segment, and
the first sensor array segment disposed proximate a first side of the second sensor array segment.
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