Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated crop prediction and soil fertility management device that is capable of detecting soil fertility by measuring key parameters such as pH level, nutritional content, temperature, and moisture levels, providing comprehensive data for optimal agricultural management and improving soil health monitoring for enhanced crop growth and sustainable farming practices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Crop prediction and soil fertility management are crucial components of modern agriculture, directly impacting crop yield, sustainability, and resource efficiency. Predicting the right crops based on soil conditions—such as pH, nutritional content, temperature, and moisture—ensures that farmers select the most suitable crops for optimal growth, maximizing productivity and minimizing waste. Soil fertility, on the other hand, is fundamental to ensuring healthy plant growth and long-term soil health. By monitoring and managing soil fertility, farmers can make informed decisions about fertilization, irrigation, and crop rotation, preventing soil degradation and maintaining soil balance. Accurate crop prediction, when combined with soil fertility data, helps reduce crop failure risks, improve harvest quality, and lower costs associated with over-fertilization or poor crop selection. In a world facing challenges like climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity, effective crop prediction and soil fertility management are essential for achieving food security, sustainable farming, and environmental conservation.

[0003] Traditional methods of crop prediction and soil fertility management often rely on farmer experience, visual inspections, and basic soil tests. Farmers typically assess soil health through manual sampling, observing crop performance, and using generic recommendations for fertilization based on limited knowledge. Crop prediction is often based on historical patterns, weather forecasting, and trial-and-error methods, which may lack precision. While these practices have served for centuries, they come with several drawbacks. Traditional soil testing can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and may not capture real-time fluctuations in soil health, leading to inaccurate nutrient recommendations. Furthermore, crop predictions based solely on past trends may fail to account for changing environmental factors or evolving soil conditions, reducing their reliability. This approach is also resource-intensive, as it may involve unnecessary fertilization or irrigation, which can lead to soil degradation, increased costs, and environmental harm, highlighting the need for more accurate, data-driven solutions.

[0004] WO2022144712A1 relates to a rapid soil testing device designed for measuring the soil physical and chemical properties. The device is designed to determine and monitor real time soil nutrient content. The device is based on the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Near-IR (NIR) is a spectroscopic strategy which is based on molecular overtones and combination vibrations that originates from the fundamental vibrational bands which are generally found in the mid-IR (MIR) region. The results are displayed over an android smartphone using a developed mobile application and the results can be shared via WhatsApp or email in the form of a summary table. It also has the facility to keep the record of previous recommendations. It is a very low power device having battery backup up-to 60 min in a single charge and can also be powered using the 5 Volt DC supply or the smartphone through OTG cable.

[0005] CN102830071B discloses a detection apparatus for total phosphorus content in soil. The detection apparatus comprises a dark box used for disposing a soil sample, an illumination module used for emitting detection light to the soil sample in the dark box, a spectrum acquisition module used for receiving reflected light of the soil sample and a spectrum processing module used for receiving and processing signals from the spectrum acquisition module. The invention also discloses a method of detecting total phosphorus content in soil by using the detection apparatus for total phosphorus content in soil. The detection apparatus for total phosphorus content in soil provided by the invention has a simple structure, can select optical filters with different specific wavelengths as needed and establish a model by utilizing multivariate linear regression so as to measure different indexes of a soil sample, and has the advantages of simple, convenient and fast detection process, accurate and reliable detection results, low detection cost and no pollution.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for rapid soil testing, designed to measure physical and chemical properties of the soil, such as pH level, nutritional content, temperature, and moisture levels; however, these devices typically fail to provide personalized crop recommendations based on the specific soil parameters. As a result, users lack actionable insights tailored to the unique soil conditions, limiting the ability to optimize crop selection and improve agricultural productivity. Therefore, there is a need for an advanced soil testing device that not only measures soil properties but also offers customized recommendations to enhance crop yield and soil health.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop an advanced device that not only measures key soil parameters such as pH level, nutritional content, temperature, and moisture levels but also provides personalized crop recommendations tailored to the specific conditions of the soil. Such a device would enable users to make data-driven decisions for optimal crop selection, improving agricultural productivity, soil health, and resource management. By integrating soil analysis with actionable insights, this device would empower farmers to better align the crop choices with the unique characteristics of their soil, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting soil fertility by measuring key parameters such as pH level, nutritional content, temperature, and moisture levels, providing comprehensive data for optimal agricultural management and improving soil health monitoring for enhanced crop growth and sustainable farming practices.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that evaluates soil fertility, considering parameters like pH level, nutritional content, temperature, and moisture and provides personalized crop recommendations to users, optimizing crop selection for specific soil conditions and enhancing agricultural productivity through data-driven insights for better growth outcomes and resource-efficient farming practices.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a portable and reliable device for crop prediction and soil fertility management, offering users a convenient, accurate, and efficient tool for monitoring soil conditions, predicting suitable crops, and ensuring optimal soil health, all while maintaining high portability and dependability for practical use in various agricultural environments.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated crop prediction and soil fertility management device that evaluates soil fertility, considering parameters like pH level, nutritional content, temperature, and moisture and provides personalized crop recommendations to users, optimizing crop selection for specific soil conditions and enhancing agricultural productivity through data-driven insights for better growth outcomes and resource-efficient farming practices.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated crop prediction and soil fertility management device, comprises of a rectangular base positioned on an agricultural field, plurality of motorized wheels are arranged beneath the base for providing autonomous movement to the base over the field, a user interface inbuilt in a computing unit associated with the device is accessed by a user to initiate testing quality of soil of the field, a first sensing module configured with a telescopic bar attached with the base detect soil temperature and moisture levels, a vertical motorized conveyor belt installed with the body via a pair of supporting links with a series of buckets transport soil from ground to a storage compartment attached with the body, a motorized hinge joint affixed at each corner of the conveyor's buckets disposes soil inside the compartment, a second sensing module integrated on lower portion of the compartment monitors parameters including pH level and nutritional content in soil of the field, an electronically controlled spout integrated in a multi-sectioned chamber dispense the suitable fertilizer store in the chambers on the surface in order to increase fertility of the soil for proper nourishment of the soil.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a display panel mounted on a cuboidal-shaped body installed with the base via a telescopic rod displays crop recommendations based on measured parameters and a battery associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an automated crop prediction and soil fertility management device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated crop prediction and soil fertility management device for crop prediction and soil fertility management, offering users a convenient, accurate, and efficient tool for monitoring soil conditions, predicting suitable crops, and ensuring optimal soil health, all while maintaining high portability and dependability for practical use in various agricultural environments.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an automated crop prediction and soil fertility management device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 101 positioned on an agricultural field with plurality of motorized wheels 102, a telescopic bar 103 attached with the with a first sensing module 105, a display panel 110 mounted on a cuboidal-shaped body 113 installed with the base 101 via a telescopic rod 111, a vertical motorized conveyor belt 104 installed with the body 113 via a pair of supporting links having a series of buckets 106, a motorized hinge joint 107 affixed at each corner of the conveyor's buckets 106, a storage compartment 112 attached with the body 113, a second sensing module 108 integrated on lower portion of the compartment 112, and an electronically controlled spout 109 integrated in a multi-sectioned chamber 114.

[0023] The device proposed herein includes a rectangular base 101 that is developed to be positioned on an agricultural field. The base 101 as mentioned herein serves as a structural foundation to various components associated with the device, wherein the base 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0024] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the base 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0025] Upon activation of the device by the user, a user interface inbuilt in a computing unit associated with the device is accessed by the user for providing input commands to initiate testing quality of soil of the field. The user interface provides a series of questions regarding testing quality of soil of the field. The user either selects from a list of options provided on the display or manually enters the details, wherein the user is required to enter details such as a requirement of testing quality of soil of the field.

[0026] The input commands of the user are then relayed to an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the base 101 via a communication module. The communication module mentioned herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module for enabling the user for providing input commands to initiate testing quality of soil of the field.

[0027] In response to input commands of the user, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic bar 103 attached with the base 101, to extend for inserting a first sensing module 105 configured with the bar 103, inside the soil. The telescopic bar 103 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the bar 103. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bar 103 and due to applied pressure, the bar 103 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopic bar 103 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bar 103 in order to insert the first sensing module 105 inside the soil.

[0028] The first sensing module 105 includes a temperature sensor and a moisture sensor and detects temperature and moisture levels of the soil. The temperature sensor mentioned herein is an infrared (IR) based temperature sensor that operates by detecting infrared radiation emitted by the soil. The sensor includes an IR detector that receives radiation from the soil and converts the radiation into an electrical signal. This signal's intensity correlates with the temperature of the soil, as hotter the soil emits more IR radiation, which is then sent to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal. The microcontroller processes the signal to determine temperature of the soil.

[0029] The moisture sensor detects soil moisture levels by using infrared light to measure the water content in the soil. The sensor typically consists of an infrared LED and a photodetector. When the sensor is placed in the soil, the infrared light emitted by the LED is either absorbed or reflected by the soil particles and water. Moisture in the soil affects the amount of infrared light reflected back to the photodetector. Higher moisture content increases reflection, while drier soil absorbs more light. The sensor then converts this data into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the microcontroller to detect moisture levels of the soil.

[0030] Upon detection of soil temperature and moisture levels, a vertical motorized conveyor belt 104 extending in downward direction installed with the body 113 via a pair of supporting links is activated by the microcontroller for transportation of soil from ground to a storage compartment 112 attached with the body 113 via a series of buckets 106 are mounted on the conveyor belt 104. The vertical motorized conveyor belt 104 consists of a belt 104 stretched across two or more pulleys in close loop and one of the pulley is attached with a driven motor that is interlinked with the microcontroller. On actuation, the driven motor rotates the pulley which in turn results that the conveyer belt 104 also rotates that leads to translate the bucket from the ground surface towards the storage compartment 112 for transportation of soil from ground to the compartment 112 via the buckets 106.

[0031] A motorized hinge joint 107 affixed at each corner of the conveyor's buckets 106 are actuated by the microcontroller for tilting near the storage compartment 112 for efficient disposal of soil inside the compartment 112. The motorized hinge joint 107 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the compartment 112 and the conveyer belt 104. The leaf is connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the compartment 112 for tilting near the storage compartment 112 for efficient disposal of soil inside the compartment 112.

[0032] A second sensing module 108 integrated on lower portion of the compartment 112, including a pH sensor and a NPK sensor, monitors parameters including pH level and nutritional content in soil of the field, respectively. The pH sensor monitors soil pH by measuring the hydrogen ion concentration (H⁺) in the soil, which determines its acidity or alkalinity. The sensor typically consists of a glass electrode and a reference electrode. The glass electrode is sensitive to H⁺ ions and generates a voltage proportional to the pH level. This voltage is then compared to the reference electrode's voltage, allowing the sensor to calculate the soil's ph. The data is transmitted to the microcontroller, which processes the data to monitor pH level of soil of the field.

[0033] The NPK sensor monitors the nutritional content of soil by detecting the levels of key nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) and typically uses ion-selective electrodes to measure the concentration of each nutrient in the soil. Nitrogen is detected by measuring nitrate or ammonium ions, phosphorus by phosphate ions, and potassium by potassium ions. The sensor then converts these ion concentrations into electrical signals, which are processed by the microcontroller to monitor nutritional content in soil of the field.

[0034] In response to the monitored pH level and nutritional content in soil of the field, the microcontroller evaluates a suitable fertilizer for the soil and accordingly actuates an electronically controlled spout 109 integrated in a multi-sectioned chamber 114 to dispense the suitable fertilizer store in the chamber 114 on the surface in order to increase fertility of the soil for proper nourishment of the soil. The electronically controlled spout 109 typically consists of a motorized valve that gets open or closed for dispensing of fertilizer on the surface as directed by the microcontroller. Upon actuation of the electronically controlled spout 109 by the microcontroller, the valve opens, allowing fertilizer flow through the valve and out of the spout 109. The flow rate and duration of fertilizer dispensing is regulated by the microcontroller by regulating actuation of the valve in order to increase fertility of the soil for proper nourishment of the soil.

[0035] The microcontroller processes real-time data from the first and second sensing module 105, 108, analyzing parameters such as soil moisture, pH, and nutrient levels, and then provides tailored crop recommendations based on this data, which are displayed on a display panel 110 mounted on a cuboidal-shaped body 113 installed with the base 101 via a telescopic rod 111.

[0036] The display panel 110 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The LCD screen works by manipulating liquid crystals to control light passage and display information and consists of several layers, including a backlight, polarizers, electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystals align to either block or allow light to pass through, creating visible images or text. The screen is divided into pixels, each controlling a small part of the image. By changing the orientation of the liquid crystals at each pixel, the LCD screen produces clear, visible output, such as numbers or text, to present crop recommendations to the user based on the monitored data from first and second sensing module 105, 108.

[0037] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 as mentioned in the invention is developed to be positioned on the agricultural field. Upon activation of the device by the user, the user interface is accessed by the user for providing input commands to initiate testing quality of soil of the field. In response to input commands of the user, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic bar 103 to extend for inserting the first sensing module 105 inside the soil. The first sensing module 105 includes the temperature sensor and the moisture sensor and detects temperature and moisture levels of the soil. Upon detection of soil temperature and moisture levels, the vertical motorized conveyor belt 104 is activated by the microcontroller for transportation of soil from ground to the storage compartment 112 via the buckets 106. the motorized hinge joint 107 affixed at each corner of the conveyor's buckets 106 are actuated by the microcontroller for tilting near the storage compartment 112 for efficient disposal of soil inside the compartment 112. the second sensing module 108 integrated on lower portion of the compartment 112, including the pH sensor and the NPK sensor, monitors parameters including pH level and nutritional content in soil of the field, respectively. In response to the monitored pH level and nutritional content in soil of the field, the microcontroller evaluates the suitable fertilizer for the soil and accordingly actuates the electronically controlled spout 109 integrated in the multi-sectioned chamber 114 to dispense the suitable fertilizer store in the chamber 114 on the surface in order to increase fertility of the soil for proper nourishment of the soil. The microcontroller processes real-time data from the first and second sensing module 105, 108, analyzing parameters such as soil moisture, pH, and nutrient levels, and then provides tailored crop recommendations based on this data, which are displayed on the display panel 110 mounted on the cuboidal-shaped body 113 installed with the base 101 via the telescopic rod 111.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated crop prediction and soil fertility management device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 positioned on an agricultural field and installed with a cuboidal-shaped body 113 via a telescopic rod 111, wherein plurality of motorized wheels 102 are arranged beneath said base 101 for providing autonomous movement to said base 101 over said field;
ii) a user interface inbuilt in a computing unit accessed by a user, associated with said device for enabling said user to initiate testing quality of soil of said field, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller connected with said computing unit processes said input details and accordingly actuates a telescopic bar 103 configured with a first sensing module 105, attached with said base 101, to extend in view of inserting said first sensing module 105 inside said soil, followed by activation of said first sensing module 105 to detect soil temperature and moisture levels;
iii) a vertical motorized conveyor belt 104 extending in downward direction installed with said body 113 via a pair of supporting links, and a series of buckets 106 are mounted on said conveyor belt 104, each bucket designed to transport soil from ground to a storage compartment 112 attached with said body 113, wherein a motorized hinge joint 107 are affixed at each corner of said conveyor's buckets 106, that are actuated by said microcontroller, enabling buckets 106 to tilt near said storage compartment 112 for efficient disposal of soil inside said compartment 112; and
iv) a second sensing module 108 integrated on lower portion of said compartment 112 for monitoring parameters including pH level and nutritional content in soil of said field, based on which said microcontroller evaluates a suitable fertilizer for said soil, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled spout 109 integrated in a multi-sectioned chamber 114 to dispense said suitable fertilizer store in said chamber 114 on said surface in order to increase fertility of said soil for proper nourishment of said soil.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first sensing module 105 includes a temperature sensor and a moisture sensor.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second sensing module 108 includes a pH sensor and a NPK sensor.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller processes data from the first and second sensing module 105, 108 in real time and provides crop recommendations based on measured parameters that are displayed on a display panel 110 mounted on said body 113.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.