Buried Wireless Soil Sensor Network Development.

Technological advances in wireless communication and microelectronics have enabled the development of small, low cost soil sensors and their networks. We are developing a wireless soil sensor network that can be coupled with agricultural systems models to accurately assess carbon and nitrogen dynamics, as well as identify strategic locations for mitigation of environmental impacts of agricultural production. The network system will enable agriculture management strategies that improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impacts of crop and biomass production.  Some of the salient contributions of the project include: (1) development of a network-based framework for researchers to better understand properties of soils and the environment over a large area over time; (2) establishment of an underground sensor and communication network; and (3) development of tools for agricultural management for minimizing environmental impact while meeting crop demands.