UFHEC develops portable device for soil and air quality monitoring

The Universidad Federico Henríquez y Carvajal (UFHEC), in collaboration with an Italian higher education institution, is developing a portable multi-parameter device designed for field-based environmental and agricultural measurements. The project, which has been in development for approximately two years, aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive, stationary meteorological equipment.

For agricultural use, the device can measure soil moisture, pH, temperature, salinity, and resistivity. These metrics allow farmers to determine if soil conditions are compatible with specific crops or to monitor changes after applying soil conditioners. While the tool provides precise data, researchers noted it is intended to assist rather than replace the expertise of agricultural specialists.

Additionally, the device is capable of monitoring air quality by measuring gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and certain sulfur compounds. This functionality could support research into emissions from livestock and animal waste, as well as the evaluation of biogas quality for energy use.