Novel Bio Sensor Derived from Cotton Biomass to Monitor Real-Time Soil Moisture and Nitrate

Project Overview

GS20-220
Project Type: Graduate Student
Funds awarded in 2020: $16,500.00
Projected End Date: 08/31/2022
Grant Recipient: Tuskegee University
Region: Southern
State: Alabama
Graduate Student:
Major Professor:
Byungjin Min
Tuskegee University

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Crop Production: irrigation, water management
  • Soil Management: soil quality/health

    Abstract:

    Growing concerns among small farmers about the overuse of water and soil health underscore the benefits of sustainable and affordable monitoring systems in crop production.  Parameters such as moisture and soil nutrients that affect crop production could be optimized in real-time using a sensor such as by controlling irrigation water and nitrogen supply. Cellulose has an inherent moisture absorption property and the adsorb moisture on the cellulose fibers was converted into an electrical signal by printing graphite electrodes on the cellulose surface using a pencil. The electrical signal intensity can be recorded with a microelectronic device. Nitrate concentration in moist soil can also be measured using an electrochemical technique with a nitrate ion-selective electrode (ISE). Therefore, we propose to develop a cost-effective cellulose-based biosensor derived from cotton residues to monitor the relative humidity and soil nutrients. The specific objectives were 1) to extract pure cellulose from left-over cotton linter and to fabricate a cellulose-based sensor; 2) to characterize the sensing performance of the biosensor to monitor soil condition such as moisture, and 3) to disseminate the results through scientific conferences and meetings. The successful results of the proposed project would be integrated with low-cost microcontroller devices, allowing sensing data available for farming practices that could improve the profitability of crop production.

    Project objectives:

    The proposed project has three objectives:

    1. To extract nanocellulose from left-over cotton linter and to fabricate cellulose-based biosensor
    2. To characterize sensing properties of the cellulose-based biosensor
    3. To disseminate the results through presentation to the target audiences
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.