The sensors have the potential to uncover valuable insights about soil processes, including how soils react to climate-related events and their crucial function in carbon storage. Research describing this technology has been published in the European Journal of Soil Science.
Soil Biology and the Unresolved Dynamics of Soil Microbes
According to Professor John Quinton, the project’s lead investigator, soil biology serves as the foundation of soil function and health. However, understanding how soil ecosystems evolve over time has remained a challenge. He noted that there is still much to discover about soil microbes, particularly how they operate and respond to various environmental pressures and stresses.
These innovative, partially degradable sensors could improve our understanding of how soils process and decompose organic material, a key mechanism in carbon cycling. They may also provide insights into how this process is influenced by climate conditions, environmental factors, and land management practices.
Until now, researchers have been limited to capturing only isolated snapshots of biological activity in soil. These sensors offer the possibility of continuously revealing previously hidden processes, enabling a deeper understanding of soil functioning and overall soil health
