The present disclosure relates to soil analysing device, and more specifically, relates to a device to determine soil fertility of a field and accordingly recommend crops to be planted in a field.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The agriculture and planting is a good practice but due to unawareness between farmers and organizations, the farmers do not get efficient yields. Farmers are growing huge amount of crops/plants, but they are not aware of nutrient, soil type, type of fertilizer, etc. required for growing proper quality of crops.
[0003] Soil fertility is the ability of soil to sustain plant growth and optimize
crop yield, which is enhanced through organic and inorganic fertilizers to the soil. It is expected that by 2050 world population will surpass 9 billion, with this increase in population, one can foresee a dramatic demand in escalation of agriculture production. This ongoing increasing demand will require a high tech farming. Certainly, there does not exists adequate knowledge regarding usage of fertilizers and fertility of land especially in terms of constituents (minerals) present in the soil or needed by the soil to produce a particular type of crop and that too having high yield to satisfy high food demand with the growing population. Farmers/Peasants are focused on monoculture farming and there is less emphasis on crop diversification. Therefore, there is a need to overcome above said problem and support crop diversification.
[0004] Existing methods for determining nutrient levels in soil typically utilize standard chemical and laboratory assessments, which are often costly, time consuming, and labor intensive. For example, laboratory procedures often require collection, preparation, and analysis of soil samples. It is a lengthy process and there may be human error which may give wrong information to the user/farmers. [0005] In the existing methods soil test kit is utilized to determine nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).The solution is compared with a pink color chart to determine nitrogen (N), compared with a pink color chart determine

phosphorus (P), and to determine potassium (K) the tube containing the solution is placed over a column of black boxes, and the amount of the blackness is observed through the cloudiness of the solution and compared with the column next to the tube, thus a large amount of time is required to read the color change in each tube. [0006] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide a hand-held device to mitigate the above- mentioned problems, by collecting and analysing soil sample at desired locations in real-time, as well as automatic and real-time identification and/or prediction of various nutrients in soil.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a hand-held
device for analyzing soil.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device to assist
farmers/gardeners/ researcher to analyse soil for productivity and environmental
protection
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device to
collect and monitor nutrition level of soil in a field in real-time.
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device to
recommend farmers to plant a crop in a field based on type of the soil.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device
which is reliable and compact.
[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device
cost-effective and provide accurate values of attributes of the soil.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure relates to soil analysing device, and more specifically, relates to a device to determine soil fertility of a field and accordingly recommend crops to be planted in a field.
[0014] According to an aspect, the present disclosure provides a device to analyze soil of a field, the device includes a housing having a cavity to accommodate a soil compartment, a set of sensors configured within the housing

to detect a plurality of attributes of the soil received in said soil compartment, and
correspondingly generate a first set of signals, and a processing unit operatively
coupled with said set of sensors.
[0015] In an aspect, the processing unit may include one or more processors
coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or
more processors configured to receive the first set of signals, extract a second set
of signals from the received first set of signals, where the second set of signals
pertain to values of the plurality of attributes of the soil, compare the extracted
values of the plurality of attributes with a pre-defined set of threshold values and
determine one or more characteristics of the soil and correspondingly generate and
transmit output signals.
[0016] In an aspect, the output signals may be transmitted to a display unit,
where the display unit is operatively coupled with the processing unit and
facilitates in displaying the type of crops to be planted in the field.
[0017] In an aspect, the processing unit may be configured to generate and
transmit a first set of actuation signals, in response to the received first set of
signals, where the first set of actuation signals may be transmitted to the display
unit, where the first set of actuation unit may facilitate in actuating the display
unit to display the value of the plurality of attributes.
[0018] In an aspect, the processing unit may further configured to generate a
second set of actuation signals, where the second set of actuation signals actuate a
display unit operatively coupled to the processing unit to display the extracted one
or more characteristics of the soil.
[0019] In an aspect, the soil compartment may be detachably coupled with
the device, and facilitates in accumulating the soil within the housing.
[0020] In an aspect, an opening may be provided in the device to insert the
soil compartment in the cavity.
[0021] In an aspect, the set of sensors may be selected from a group
consisting of moisture sensor, NPK sensor, and temperature sensor.
[0022] In an aspect, the plurality of attributes may be selected from but not
limited to Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, temperature, and water in the soil.

[0023] In an aspect, the one or more characteristics of the soil may be
selected from but not limited to soil type, soil fertility, and crop yield.
[0024] In an aspect, the device may include one or more actuators disposed
on the housing and operatively coupled to the processing unit, where the one or
more actuators may be configured to perform one or more operations.
[0025] In an aspect, the device may include a power source operatively
coupled to the set of sensors, the display unit, and the processing unit, where the
power source may facilitates in providing electric power to the device.
[0026] In an aspect, the power source may include any or a combination of
solar cell, battery, electric power line, inverter, capacitor bank, and inductor.
[0027] The above and other mentioned objects and advantages of the present
invention are described hereunder in greater details with reference to following
accompanying non-limiting illustrative drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that
elements of similar structures and functions are generally represented by reference
numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted
that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred
embodiments. The figure does not illustrate every aspect of the described
embodiments and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0029] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of the present
embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0030] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a soil analysing device in
accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary view of a soil compartment of the
device in accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of soil analysing device in
accordance with the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary functional components of a processing unit of soil analyzing device in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present
invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the
present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0035] The present disclosure relates to soil analysing device, and more
specifically, relates to a device to extract soil characteristics of a field and
accordingly recommend crops to be planted in a field. The device is portable and
the user can carry the device easily, and enables the user to perform on spot
analysis of the soil.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1A, a soil analyzing device (100) (also referred as
device (100), hereinafter) that facilitates in analysing soil of a field or farm land
to determine one or more characteristics of the soil prior to planting crops. The
device (100) can include a housing (102) and a display unit (104) for displaying
information.
[0037] In an embodiment, the device (100) can include the display unit (104)
to display information and recommendations. The display unit (104) can include
any or a combination of light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD),
organic light emitting diode (OLED), LED matrix, and the likes.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the display unit (104) can provide a
user interface to enable a user to perform variety of operations by selecting at least
one of the operation displayed on the display unit (104).
[0039] In an embodiment, the device (100) can include one or more actuators
(collectively referred as actuators (110), and individually referred as actuator
(110)) disposed on the housing (102), and the actuators (110) can be operatively
coupled to the processing unit (208). The actuators (110) can be configured to
perform one or more operations, such as turning ON and OFF the device (100),

and others. In another embodiment, the actuators (126) can be any or a combination of switch, button, relay, knob and the likes.
[0040] In an embodiment, the housing (102) can include a cavity (106) to accommodate a soil compartment (108) (also referred as compartment (108), hereinafter) (as shown in FIG. IB). The compartment (108) can be detachably coupled with the device (100), and at the time of using the device (100), a user can separate the compartment (108) from the device (100) and the soil can be filled in the compartment (108) to accumulate the soil within the housing (102). Moreover, the compartment (108) can be like a tray to hold the soil. [0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the compartment (108) can be designed in such a manner that one end of the compartment (108) can facilitate in excavating the soil from the field, and accumulate the excavated soil in the compartment (108).
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the soil of field can be loaded and unloaded in the device (100) easily without any extra efforts, which enables the user to analyse the soil of various fields in minimum amount of time. [0043] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a block diagram of the device (100). The device (100) can include a set of sensors (204) (collectively referred as sensors (204), and individually referred as sensor (204)), and a display unit (104) which can be operatively coupled with a processing unit (208).The processing unit (208) can be configured to receive input from the sensors (204), analyse the received input, and according generate output, which can be transmitted and displayed on the display unit (104).
[0044] In an embodiment, set of sensors (204) can be configured within the housing (102) that facilitates in sensing a plurality of attributes of the soil. The plurality of attributes of the soil can be detected and analyzed from various types of soil samples including, but are not limited to peat soil, fen soil, chalk soil, limestone soil, loam soil, sand, clay, silt, quarry, gravel, and the likes. In another embodiment, the sensors (204) can be selected from a group consisting of moisture sensor, NPK sensor, temperature sensor, soil nutrient sensor, soil sensor, and the likes.

[0045] In an embodiment, the sensors (204) can include one or more probes, which can be inserted into the soil to detect the plurality of attributes of the soil. Upon filling the soil in the compartment (108) and situating the compartment (108) in the housing (102), the probes of the sensors (204) can be immersed into the received soil, and upon actuating the sensors (204) from at least one of the actuator (110) sense one or more attributes of the soil received in the soil compartment (108). In another embodiment, the plurality of attributes can be selected from but not limited to Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, temperature, and water in the soil.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the NPK sensor (204) can be configured to detect soil nutrient content such as Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in the soil. Nitrogen is required for plants or crops for lots of leaf growth and good green color, Phosphorus is required by plants to help form new roots, make seeds, fruits, and flowers, and Potassium facilitates in providing strong stems and fast growing, therefore a certain level of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium is required in the soil to grow plants or crops. [0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the moisture sensor can be configured to detect water content in soil and enables a user to adjust irrigation schedules accordingly. In an exemplary embodiment, to harvest corn in the field 22 to 25% moisture content is required, similarly to harvest rice in the field 20 to 25% moisture content is required.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor can be configured to detect warmth of the soil. In an exemplary embodiment, ideal soil temperature for planting most plants and crops are 65 to 75 degree Fahrenheit (18-24 degree Celsius) approximately.
[0049] In an embodiment, the sensors (204) can be configured to sense a plurality of attributes such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, temperature, etc. of the soil received in the soil compartment (108), and correspondingly generate a first set of signals. The generated first set of signals can be transmitted to the processing unit (208) in an electric form.

[0050] In an embodiment, the processing unit (208) can be configured to receive the first set of signals from the sensors (204) in the electric form. In another embodiment, the processing unit (208) can be any or a combination of microprocessor, microcontroller, Arduino Uno, At mega 328, Raspberry Pi or other similar processing unit, and the likes. In yet another embodiment, the processing unit (208) can include one or more processors coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. [0051] In an embodiment, the processing unit (208) can be configured to extract a second set of signals from the received first set of signals, where the second set of signals pertain to values of the plurality of attributes of the soil such as quantity of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and water in the soil. In another embodiment, the processing unit (208) can be configured to compare the extracted values of the plurality of attributes with a dataset, where the dataset can include a pre-defined set of threshold values required to harvest variety of crops. In yet another embodiment, the processing unit (208) can be configured to transmit output signals to the display unit (104) that facilitates in displaying one or more characteristics of the soil.
[0052] In an embodiment, the one or more characteristics of the soil can be selected from but not limited to soil type, soil fertility, and crop yield, and can be displayed on the display unit (104).
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the device (100) can display or audibly produce the soil characteristics on the display unit (104) and the audio unit respectively. Also, the soil characteristics can be displayed on the display unit (104) in a visual or illustrative format.
[0054] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of functional components of the processing unit (208). The processing unit (208) can include one or more processor(s) (302). The one or more processor(s) (302) can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) (302) can be configured to fetch and execute computer-

readable instructions stored in a memory (304) of the processing unit (208).The memory (304) can store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory (304) can include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like
[0055] In an embodiment, the processing unit (208) can also include an interface(s) (306). The interface(s) (306) may include a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) (306) may facilitate communication of the processing unit (208) with various devices coupled to the processing unit (208). The interface(s) (306) may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the processing unit (208) Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) (308) and database (310). [0056] In an embodiment, the processing engine(s) (308) can be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) (308). In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) (308) may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) (308) may include a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) (308). In such examples, the processing unit (208) can include the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to processing unit (208) and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) (308) may be implemented by electronic circuitry. A database (310) can include data that is either stored or generated as a

result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing
engine(s) (308).
[0057] In an embodiment, the processing engine(s) (308) can include an
extraction unit (312), a comparison unit (314), a signal generation unit (316), a
classification and training unit (318), and other unit(s) (320). The other unit(s)
(320) can implement functionalities that supplement applications or functions
performed by the device (100) or the processing engine(s) (308).
[0058] In an embodiment, the database (310) can include data that is either
stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the
components of the processing engine(s) (308).
[0059] It would be appreciated that units being described are only exemplary
units and any other unit or sub-unit may be included as part of the device (100).
These units too may be merged or divided into super- units or sub-units as may be
configured.
[0060] In an embodiment, the processing unit (208) can be configured to
receive a first set of signals form a set of sensors (204) in electric form. The set of
sensors (204) can include moisture sensor, NPK sensor, temperature sensor, and
the likes, and the sensors (204) can be configured to sense a plurality of attributes
such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, temperature, water, etc. in the soil.
[0061] In an embodiment, the extraction unit (312) can be configured to
extract a second set of signals from the received first set of signals in machine
readable form or binary form, where the second set of signals pertain to values of
the plurality of attributes of the soil. In another embodiment, the extraction unit
(312) can be configured to transmit the values of the plurality of attributes to the
comparison unit (314).
[0062] In an embodiment, the comparison unit (314) can be configured to
compare the extracted values of the Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium,
temperature, water, etc. in the soil with a dataset, where the dataset can include a
pre-determined limit of each of the plurality of attributes. In another embodiment,
the signal generation unit (316) can be configured to generate and transmit output
signals, where the output signals are transmitted to the display unit (104). The

output signals can include one or more characteristics of the soil such as soil type, soil fertility, crop yield, and the likes with respect to the received values of the plurality of attributes.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium values in the soil can be determined, and displayed on the display unit (104). The value can be measured in mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram) for example, the soil includes Nitrogen: 107 mg/kg, Phosphorous: 107 mg/kg, and Potassium: 146 mg/kg, these extracted values can be displayed on the display unit (104). [0064] In an embodiment, the classification and training unit (318) can be configured to receive the extracted values of the plurality of health attributes in machine readable form or binary form and update and train the classification and training unit (318) accordingly. In another embodiment, a deep leaning model can be trained based on the received values of the plurality of attributes, where the deep leaning model can be stored in the database (310). In yet another embodiment, once the dataset is trained correctly, a deep learning algorithm can be configured to perform repetitive, and routine tasks within a shorter period of time.
[0065] In an embodiment, the classification and training unit (318) can be configured to store the plurality of attributes of the soil and characteristics of various type of soil collected from different areas. Also, the , the classification and training unit (318) can be configured to store a set of training datasets to train a machine learning model for determining soil characteristics for the received values of the plurality of attributes of the soil based on the training. The plurality of training datasets can include information related to type of soil, crop yield, soil fertility, and the likes of the soil collected from various areas. [0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing engine (308) can be further configured in the form of an Artificial Neural Network like the following but not limited to Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Deep Neural Network (DNN). In an exemplary embodiment, the processing engine (308) can include deep learning based classifiers, where the deep learning based classifiers can include KNN classifiers, MLP neural networks and the likes.

[0067] In an embodiment, the signal generation unit (316) can be configured to generate and transmit output signals to the display unit (104), where the output signal pertains to type and amount of fertilizers or other nutrients to be added to the soil essentials for plant growth. For example, the device (100) can recommend the user (farmer or gardener) to add fertilizers, composts or manure to make the soil more fertile. In an exemplary embodiment nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium measurements can help scientists to better understand various soil properties, such as the number of negatively charged soil surfaces, the amount of iron and organic matter in the soil and the degree to which a soil has been weathered, also determine the type of parent material from which the soil is formed.
[0068] In an embodiment, the signal generation unit (316) can be configured to generate and transmit output signals to the display unit (104), where the output signal pertains to most appropriate time to harvest the crop, improve crop yields by recommending type of seeds/plants/crops for the soils, thereby improve the efficiency of the planting process and reduce planting cost, also decrease the impact on the environment from the planting process.
[0069] In an embodiment, the device (100) can include a power source (not shown) operatively coupled to the set of sensors (204), the display unit (104), and the processing unit (208), where the power source facilitates in providing electric power to the device (100). In another embodiment, the power source can include any or a combination of cell, battery, electric power line, inverter, capacitor bank, inductor, and the likes.
[0070] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0071] The present disclosure provides a device for analyzing soil.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a device to assist farmers/gardeners/
researcher to analyse soil for productivity and environmental protection
[0073] The present disclosure provides a device to collect and monitor
nutrition level of soil in a field in real-time.
[0074] The present disclosure provides a device to recommend a farmer to
plant a crop in a field based on type of the soil.
[0075] The present disclosure provides a device cost-effective and provide
accurate values of attributes of the soil.
[0076] The present disclosure provides a device which is light weight and
compact that enables a user to carry the device everywhere.

We Claim:

1. A device (100)to analyze soil of a field, the device(lOO) comprising:
a housing (102) having a cavity(106) to accommodate a soil
compartment (108);
a set of sensors configured within the housing(102) to detect a plurality of attributes of the soil received in said soil compartment (108), and correspondingly generate a first set of signals; and
a processing unit (208) operatively coupled with said set of sensors (204) wherein the processing unit (208) including one or more processors coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors configured to:
receive the first set of signals;
extract a second set of signals from the received first set of signals, wherein the second set of signals pertain to values of the plurality of attributes of the soil;
compare the extracted values of the plurality of attributes with a pre-defined set of threshold values; and
determine one or more characteristics of the soil and correspondingly generate and transmit output signals, wherein the output signals are transmitted to a display unit (104), wherein the display unit (104) is operatively coupled with the processing unit (208)and facilitates in displaying the type of crops to be planted in the field.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, the processing unit (208) is configured
to generate and transmit a first set of actuation signals, in response to the
received first set of signals, wherein the first set of actuation signals are
transmitted to the display unit (104), wherein the first set of actuation unit
facilitates in actuating the display unit (104) to display the value of the
plurality of attributes.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, the processing unit (208) is further configured to generate a second set of actuation signals, wherein the second set of actuation signals actuate a display unit (104) operatively coupled to the processing unit (208)to display the extracted one or more characteristics of the soil.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, the soil compartment (108) is detachably coupled with the device (100), and facilitates in accumulating the soil within the housing (102).
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an opening is provided in the device (100) to insert the soil compartment (108) in the cavity (106).
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of sensors (204) are selected from a group consisting of moisture sensor, NPK sensor, and temperature sensor.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of attributes are selected from but not limited to Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, temperature, and water in the soil.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more characteristics of the soil are selected from but not limited to soil type, soil fertility, and crop yield.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises one or more actuators(HO) disposed on the housing (102) and operatively coupled to the processing unit (208), wherein the one or more actuators (110) are configured to perform one or more operations.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) comprises a power source operatively coupled to the set of sensors (204), the display unit (104), and the processing unit (208) wherein the power source facilitates in providing electric power to the device, and wherein the power source includes any or a combination of solar cell, battery, electric power line, inverter, capacitor bank, and inductor.