Method and Device for Determining Biomass and Determining Soil Moisture Content by Means of Dielectric Measurements in a Microwave Resonator

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent relates to a method and corresponding devices for non-invasively determining biomass (such as plant material) or soil moisture content using dielectric measurements inside a microwave resonator. By placing or surrounding the sample (plant or soil) within the resonator, the device measures changes in resonance characteristics, which correlate with the amount of water or biomass present. The method enables quick and efficient analysis without destroying the sample and can be calibrated for different plant or soil types. Devices can be configured as single resonators, adaptable plant pots, or sensor networks in the field.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Monitoring plant growth and health in agriculture and research settings by measuring biomass non-destructively over time.
• Smart plant pots ('iPot') that automatically control irrigation based on real-time soil moisture detection.
• Networked sensors for large-scale soil moisture mapping in greenhouses or agricultural fields, enabling precision irrigation.
• Rapid laboratory analysis of plant material for water and dry matter content without sample destruction.
• Assessment of silage quality and composition in animal husbandry.
• Environmental monitoring of soil conditions for resource management and conservation.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-invasive: No need to destroy or remove the sample to measure biomass or soil moisture.
• Rapid measurements: Results can be obtained in seconds rather than hours or days.
• High sensitivity: Able to detect even small amounts of water in organic or inorganic materials.
• Reusability: Equipment can be used for repeated measurements on the same sample or different samples after calibration.
• Automation potential: Enables integration into smart agriculture systems for automatic irrigation and crop monitoring.
• Versatility: Can be calibrated for different plant types and soil compositions, increasing its applicability across many crops and soils.
• Improved accuracy and spatial resolution compared to traditional moisture or biomass measurement techniques.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for determining biomass, and to a method and a device for determining the moisture content of soil by means of dielectric measurements in the microwave resonator, wherein the polarizable biomass, or the polarizable soil, is introduced in the interior of a microwave resonator.