Development and characterization of a sensor to measure the concentration of nutrients in soil and vinasse.

• Grant number: 24/22549-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Farhat de Araujo
• Grantee: Marcelo Farhat de Araujo
• Pesquisadores principais: Emanuel Perpétuo Limonti da Fonseca
• Associated researchers: Guilherme Sasso Ferreira de Souza

Abstract

The efficient use of fertilizers is a key element for Brazilian agribusiness, which needs to increase productivity and reduce its carbon footprint. The recommendation for the application of fertilizers and correctives in the soil is based on chemical analyses that, although efficient, have limitations in relation to the quality of soil sampling and the time to obtain the report, which requires specialized labor and laboratories equipped with high-value equipment, making this technology less than necessary by Brazilian farmers. The proposed sensor aims to fill this gap by offering a portable, low-cost solution for soil analysis, using 4-channel impedance spectroscopy, to provide information with the necessary precision so that growers can make faster and more frequent decisions regarding soil correction and nutrition, in order to optimize fertilizer, use and increase productivity.The characterization of the sensor for use in vinasse is justified by the fact that it is a by-product of ethanol production, highly rich in potassium, which is an essential macronutrient for the development of sugarcane. Vinasse is widely used by sugarcane mills as a substitute for mineral chemical fertilizers, aiming to increase the sustainability of the chain and to reduce input costs. However, its application is regulated by environmental standards and controlled by CETESB. These standards specify the maximum volume of application, and the control required of the agricultural producer. Considering that the state of São Paulo is responsible for half of Brazil's ethanol production, it is observed that the proposed sensor will allow the mills to have a more precise control of the amount of potassium released into the soil, either to comply with environmental standards or to ensure adequate sugarcane nutrition, aiming to increase the TCH (ton of sugarcane produced per hectare). (AU)