In-Soil Multi-Depth Long-Term Soil Organic Carbon Measurement Network Using Micro UV Technology
A low-power micro UV sensor system that instantly extracts CO2 from soil to predict total soil organic carbon (SOC). Enables precision, long-term, field-deployable monitoring networks for agriculture, carbon markets, and environmental research without destructive sampling.
Overview
This solution offers a novel approach to measuring soil organic carbon (SOC) using low-power micro UV technology that instantly extracts CO2 directly from soil. By correlating the extracted CO2 with total SOC levels, the system enables rapid, non-destructive assessment of soil carbon content at multiple depths. The technology addresses a critical gap in carbon monitoring by eliminating the need for traditional soil sampling and laboratory burning methods, which are slow, expensive, and disruptive to agricultural operations. Potential applications include precision agriculture management, carbon credit verification, environmental monitoring, and large-scale soil health assessment for farmers and land managers.
Technical specifications
- Micro UV-based CO2 extraction: Low-power micro UV systems instantly release CO2 from soil, producing signals distinguishable from atmospheric CO2 and microbial respiration
- Multi-depth measurement capability: Enables SOC assessment at varying soil depths for comprehensive soil profiling
- Long-term field deployment: Low-power design supports extended in-soil installation without frequent maintenance
- Validated against gold standard: Prototype measurements have been compared against GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) results and control groups including atmospheric CO2 and burnt soil samples
- Network scalability: Designed for distributed sensor grid deployment across agricultural or natural landscapes
- Non-destructive monitoring: Eliminates the need for soil digging and burning required by traditional SOC analysis methods
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at a prototype stage with initial field-deployable units built and experimentally validated. Comparison testing against GC-MS gold standard measurements and control conditions has been completed. Next-stage validation requires a one-year field study on partner land to assess precision under varying environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), determine optimal sensor grid spacing, measurement frequency, and cost-effectiveness. This validation phase will establish baseline deployment parameters and demonstrate commercial readiness for agricultural and environmental monitoring applications.
About University of Utah
The University of Utah is a comprehensive public research university in Salt Lake City, paired with the resources of a major academic medical center. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research and technology park that co-locates companies with faculty labs and shared core facilities. Clinical integration supports large-scale trials and translation, while proximity to Silicon Slopes expands access to regional innovation partners. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH and NSF, with additional awards from DOE and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology commercialization office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and corporate engagement, with incubator space in the research park.
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