AGRITECH
CORNEA: Soil Moisture Assessment System Using Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing
CORNEA is an autonomous system developed by Neutron Insights for real-time soil moisture measurement, based on the detection of neutrons generated by cosmic rays. This innovative device provides representative data on soil moisture from the surface down to several decimeters deep, covering an area with a radius of over 30 meters.
Designed to operate continuously and without human intervention, CORNEA transmits data remotely using IoT technology, offering a robust, low-maintenance, and highly reliable solution. It is particularly well-suited for precision agriculture, irrigation optimization, and efficient water resource management.
Advantages over traditional sensors:
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- Non-invasive and large-scale: Unlike traditional soil moisture sensors, which only cover small areas and require multiple sampling points, cosmic ray neutron sensors can monitor large areas without physical contact with the soil.
- Higher accuracy and coverage: Provides integrated real-time measurements over wide surfaces, improving data representativeness and the efficiency of agricultural decision-making.
- Integration with remote sensing and AI models: When combined with satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms, it enables more precise water management and supports adaptive irrigation prediction and planning.
- Sustainability and cost reduction: By optimizing irrigation, it reduces both water consumption and operational costs, making this technology economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
- Greater measurement depth: Delivers insights into soil moisture at various depths, which is crucial for deep-rooted crops.
- More representative data: Thanks to its wide spatial coverage, it offers a more realistic overview of soil water content compared to point-based sensors.
- Autonomous and low-maintenance operation: Runs continuously without human intervention, and its robust design minimizes maintenance needs.
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Technological innovations:
- Flexible design, adaptable to various environments.
- Neutron direction measurement and enhanced detection efficiency.
- Neutron energy estimation for improved data interpretation.
- Underground measurement capabilities, with higher precision and range.
Additional applications:
- Monitoring of leaks in water infrastructure.
- Observation of groundwater and aquifers.
- Measurement of snow moisture and water resources in mountainous regions.