Lunar regolith simulant study using the CoSE Lunar Large Chamber,
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Introduction to soil structure analysis
Water content: This refers to the amount of water held in soil, which affects the availability of water to plants and soil microorganisms. Too much water can lead to oxygen deprivation and root rot, while too little water can cause drought stress.
Electrical conductivity: This measures the ability of the soil solution to conduct electricity, which is influenced by the concentration of dissolved salts. High levels of electrical conductivity can indicate salinity or nutrient imbalances, which can be harmful to plants.
pH: This measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which affects nutrient availability and microbial activity. Different plants thrive in different pH ranges, so it is important to monitor and adjust soil pH as needed.
NPK: This refers to the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil, which are essential macronutrients for plant growth. These nutrients are often added to soil through fertilization, and their availability can be influenced by factors such as pH and organic matter content.
Physical disturbance of substrate: This refers to the extent to which the soil structure has been disrupted, which can affect water and nutrient availability, as well as soil microbial activity. Physical disturbance can be caused by factors such as tillage, compaction, or erosion, and can be minimized through practices such as no-till agriculture or cover cropping.
Engineering a new tool to assess the environment
The CoSE Lunar Large Lander Regolith probe prototype was used to generate quantitative data about a range of soil properties that are important for plant growth. 15ml volume of sample substrate was measured using a sterile 15ml falcon tube and was used to measure and decant substrate into an acrylic pouch that maximized the contact of the substrate and the probes. 5ml of water was then added at ~5 minute intervals as the proves take measurements at 15 second intervals.
Lunar regolith simulant comparisons. Unpublished data generated using the CoSE Lunar Large Lander Regolith probe prototype. Supplementary data.
The transmitter is engineered with superior performance, offering high sensitivity, rapid response, and consistent output, making it suitable for a wide range of soil conditions. It serves as a critical instrument for investigating the genesis, evolution, amelioration, and the dynamics of water and salt in saline soils. This is achieved through the precise measurement of the soil’s dielectric constant, which directly and reliably indicates the actual moisture content across different soil types. The methodology of measuring the volumetric water content aligns with the prevailing international standards for soil moisture measurement.
Designed for durability, the transmitter can be embedded in soil for extended periods. It exhibits remarkable resistance to long-term electrolysis, corrosion, and is completely sealed through vacuum potting for waterproofing. This device is an essential tool for applications including but not limited to soil moisture monitoring, scientific research, water-saving irrigation practices, and the management of greenhouses, as well as the cultivation of flowers and vegetables. It additionally supports the measurement of temperature and humidity, electrical conductivity, and pH levels.
Comprehensive Measurement Capabilities: This sophisticated device integrates measurements of soil water content, electrical conductivity, temperature, pH value, and key nutrients (N, P, K) into a single, efficient unit.
Efficiency and Accessibility: Designed for simplicity, the tool requires minimal setup, enabling quick measurements without the need for any reagents. It supports an unlimited number of tests, facilitating extensive soil analysis.
Durability: The probe's electrodes, crafted from specially treated alloy materials, are engineered to absorb strong impacts without sustaining damage, ensuring longevity and consistency in performance.
Environmental Resistance: With its completely sealed construction, the device offers exceptional resistance to acid and alkali corrosion. Its durability allows for long-term buried applications in soil for dynamic testing.
Precision and Reliability: The tool boasts high precision and swift response times, along with excellent interchangeability. Its probe insertion design guarantees accurate and dependable measurements across a wide range of conditions.
Versatile Applications: Besides soil analysis, the device is equally effective in assessing the electrical conductivity of water and fertilizer integrated solutions, as well as other nutrient solutions and substrates, providing broad utility.
pH Measurement Excellence: It delivers superior pH measurement accuracy, achieving an impressive ±0.3 pH precision level. The device's fast response and excellent interchangeability make it exceptionally reliable for accurate soil health assessments.
The soil analysis probe is an advanced instrument designed for precise measurement of soil parameters including EC, moisture, temperature, pH, and NPK levels, supporting a DC power supply range of 9-24V and operational in temperatures from -20℃ to +60℃. It boasts high-resolution metrics across a wide range of values with accuracy rates from ±3% to ±5% Full Scale, depending on the parameter. This probe integrates a conductivity temperature compensation feature, superior protection with an IP68 rating, and is constructed from anti-corrosion materials, ensuring durability and reliability in various environmental conditions. The device also supports RS485 output with Modbus protocol, facilitating easy integration into existing systems. Ideal for meticulous soil analysis, the probe's design emphasizes the necessity for accurate volumetric water content in the soil to ensure precise measurements, catering to professionals in agricultural or environmental science fields.
Regolith Assessment Results
Detectable Water Content
Electrical conductivity (Electron avaliabilty)
pH (Proton availability)
Nutrient content (NPK availability)
The following data is provided for general guidance and does not constitute a part of the official product specifications. It is important to note that these values are derived from tests on a limited number of sensors, and variations may occur between batches. To achieve the highest accuracy, it is recommended to calibrate instruments with the specific gas being measured.
The AO2 sensor has been evaluated for cross sensitivity with several gases commonly found in automotive exhaust. Below is an overview of the cross interference levels detected for each gas.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): 16% Concentration in N2 - O2 Equivalent: <0.1%
Carbon Monoxide (CO): 6% Concentration in N2 - O2 Equivalent: <0.1%
Nitric Oxide (NO): 3000 ppm in N2 - O2 Equivalent: <0.1%
n-Hexane: 2000 ppm in N2 - O2 Equivalent: <0.1%
Hydrogen (H2): 5000 ppm in N2 - O2 Equivalent: <0.1%
This information serves as a reference to understand potential cross sensitivities but should not replace proper calibration and testing with the target gas for precise measurements.
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