Low-cost precision agriculture for sustainable farming using paper-based analytical devices

Author(s)

Albuquerque, Jessica Rodrigues de Paula ; Makara, Cleyton Nascimento ; Ferreira, Vinicius Guimaraes ; Brazaca, Lais Canniatti ; Carrilho, Emanuel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RSC ADVANCES; v. 14, n. 32, p. 12-pg., 2024-07-19.

Abstract

The United Nations estimates that by 2030, agricultural production must increase by 70% to meet food demand. Precision agriculture (PA) optimizes production through efficient resource use, with soil fertility being crucial for nutrient supply. Traditional nutrient quantification methods are costly and time-consuming. This study introduces a rapid (15 min), user-friendly, paper-based platform for determining four essential macronutrients-nitrate, magnesium, calcium, and ammonium-using colorimetric methods and a smartphone for data reading and storage. The sensor effectively detects typical soil nutrient concentrations, showing strong linearity and adequate detection limits. For nitrate, the RGB method resulted in an R2 of 0.992, a detection range of 0.5 to 10.0 mmol L-1, and an LOD of 0.299 mmol L-1. Calcium quantification using grayscale displayed an R2 of 0.993, a detection range of 2.0 to 6.0 mmol L-1, and an LOD of 0.595 mmol L-1. Magnesium was best quantified using the hue color space, with an R2 of 0.999, a detection range of 1.0 to 6.0 mmol L-1, and an LOD of 0.144 mmol L-1. Similarly, ammonium detection using the hue color space had an R2 of 0.988, a range of 0.5 to 2.5 mmol L-1, and an LOD of 0.170 mmol L-1. This device enhances soil fertility assessment accessibility, supporting PA implementation and higher food production. A paper-based platform quantifies essential soil macronutrients (nitrate, magnesium, calcium, ammonium) using colorimetry and a smartphone. This device enhances soil fertility assessment, supporting precision agriculture and boosting food production. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/19750-3 - Exploring C4D detection for the development of innovative and low-cost microfluidic biosensors
• Grantee: Laís Canniatti Brazaca
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/19413-4 - Agriculture in a POCT: precision agriculture using low-cost microfluidic Paper-based analytical devices for chemical analysis
• Grantee: Emanuel Carrilho
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE