Hydrogel Sensors for the Agricultural Applications

Abstract

This work is focused on the design and fabrication of hydrogel sensors for the agricultural applications "a multi-sensory device". Agriculture is an important contributor to Qatar's economy, as the country is aiming to produce more local products. We chose to use hydrogel in soil, for their high efficiency in absorbing water. The hydrogel will be embedded in a multisensory device that will provide consistent plant watering when soil is dry and in need for water. The multi-sensory device will employ NFC switch "Near Field Communication" which is a wireless communication device used to control water flow for plant irrigation. Also, the experimental work including enhancing soil properties by using Arabic gum (sodium 2-[(7-carboxyheptyl)-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]benzen-1-olate) a biodegradable and naturally available polymer. It is proven that it decreases soil porosity enhance the reinforcement between the soil and the hydrogel therefor retaining more water and preventing evaporation, it also increases plant growth through fixating nitrogen in the soil.