Proximal sensing to estimate potential soil acidity

Abstract

In a precision agriculture evolution, sensors have been promising tools for optimizing data collection, land use and the application of agricultural inputs. Thues, the objective of this work was to assess the potential using pH sensor, composed of two antimony (Sb) electrodes, with the TSM solution adiction to the mensuarment, for estimate the potential acidity of the soil. Sensor evaluations were carried out on static structure in laboratory, to assess measurement methods, evaluating the time for sensor response, the concentration of the TSM solution and the adequaded addition, waiting soil exert its buffering power . To estimate the potential acidity, it was verified that the sensor presents accurate measurements within 15 s of contact with the soil sample. The additions of the diluted solution in a 3:1 ratio (distilled water: TSM) showed less interference in the measurement, compared to the additions of the concentrated solution. This work showed as possible propose for a method that could be reproduced on the field for in situ measurements to estimate potential acidity, with the sensor in 15 s of contact with the soil sample in friable condition and addition of the diluted TSM solution (3:1).