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WO2012052165A1 - Appareil pour mesurer l'humidité du sol - Google Patents

Appareil pour mesurer l'humidité du sol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012052165A1
WO2012052165A1 PCT/EP2011/005261 EP2011005261W WO2012052165A1 WO 2012052165 A1 WO2012052165 A1 WO 2012052165A1 EP 2011005261 W EP2011005261 W EP 2011005261W WO 2012052165 A1 WO2012052165 A1 WO 2012052165A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
joints
caps
tubular elements
rectilinear
soil
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2011/005261
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Armando Carravetta
Riccardo Martino
Rosario Schiano Lo Moriello
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2012052165A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012052165A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
    • A01G25/16—Control of watering
    • A01G25/167—Control by humidity of the soil itself or of devices simulating soil or of the atmosphere; Soil humidity sensors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/22—Improving land use; Improving water use or availability; Controlling erosion

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an apparatus for measuring soil humidity.
  • this invention relates to an apparatus for measuring soil humidity in irrigation systems that provide buried pipes made of plastic material and especially in drip sub-irrigation systems, which are frequently employed especially in arid or semi-arid climate areas and regions in order to optimise water consumption.
  • apparatus delivering water drop by drop, more or less continuously through a water network having no22les arranged on the ground in correspondence of various vegetables, groups of vegetables or plants.
  • the buried ducts made of plastic material are provided with dripping wings which deliver water direcdy to the root apparatus area, allowing more frequent irrigation contributions without reaching a full saturation of the soil.
  • the delivery of water performed in this way avoids a useless dispersion thereof and guarantees an optimal degree of humidity for the crops.
  • a solution of this kind abstracts from the knowledge of the properties of the soil, namely of the humidity present therein.
  • TDR Time Domain Reflectometry
  • the method based on said technology provides, for identifying interruptions of power lines, the sending from of a point of the electrode itself of an impulse represented by a stepped signal and consisting of a difference in potential between the two cables, as well as the measurement of the reflected signal; the deformation of the wave, determined by the total or partial interruption of the power line is interpreted to identify the position of the damage and the kind thereof.
  • the cable is stretched or split said subsidence may be detected employing the same TDR technology.
  • a further drawback shown by this technology is related to the fact that due to the presence of a huge number of probes and irrigation lines, a localized failure of one of them may elude control and cause an excess of water in a given zone.
  • WO 1993/017316 describes the employment of electric cables, laid down along water ducts under construction in order to be subsequendy employed with the purpose of detecting water leaks.
  • the wave deformation caused by the variation of the dielectric constant of the soil in correspondence of the leaks, due to a localised increase in water quantity, may be interpreted to identify the position of the leak along the ducts.
  • This technology is employed and serves only for the research of possible leaks along water ducts, not for sampling the average water content of soil.
  • the average measurement of the water content of a soil is also the object of US 5,942,904 through a technique providing the employment of a couple of electric cables deeply inserted in the soil. Also this measurement is based on the known principles of wave shape modification, induced by the variation of the dielectric constant of the soil wherein the cables are inserted; said variation is in turn ascribed to the variation in the water content of soil.
  • irrigation water In drip sub-irrigation systems, furthermore, water tends easily to evaporate if it is delivered in surface; in order to obviate this drawback, irrigation water is delivered, through buried ducts, directly in correspondence of the root apparatus of the raised crop, without however knowing the average water content of soil in the respective zones.
  • US 6,016,971 teaches a method for controlling the irrigation of a grassy soil in function of the humidity content of the soil, through a humidity sensor providing a signal for opening a valve suitable to deliver a given quantity of water.
  • the sensor comprises an insulating body whereto two electrodes arranged in the cap of a number of tubular ducts are connected.
  • US 4,952,868 discloses a soil humidity measuring device comprising a couple of concentric cylindrical conductors, separated by a layer of glass beads to form a condenser, the resistance thereof varies according to the level of humidity present in the fibrous material.
  • soil humidity control apparatus are completely independent from the irrigation systems.
  • the object of this invention is to obviate the drawbacks mentioned hereinabove.
  • the object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring soil humidity, especially employable in drip sub-irrigation systems, which allows to systematically sample the measure of the humidity of soil in correspondence or in the proximity of the root apparatus of each different row of cultivated plants.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as defined above which consequendy allows to optimize the quantity of water delivered to the different plants, preventing the waste of water resources.
  • Not secondary object of the invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the same tubular components employed for irrigating are provided with means intended for measuring the humidity of soil.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide users with a simple technique for locating tubular components which are damaged following breakages or only partially functioning because of the obstruction of the dripping wings.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide the users with an apparatus for measuring soil humidity suitable for ensuring high level of resistance and reliability over time, also such as to be easily and inexpensively constructed.
  • figure 1 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a part or trunk of a linear duct of the apparatus for measuring soil humidity according to the present invention
  • figure 2 shows a schematic cross section view along line D-D of figure 2 of the same part or trunk of duct;
  • figure 3 schematically shows a side view of a line joint suitable to connect to each other two parts or trunks of a linear duct of the apparatus of the present invention
  • figure 4 schematically shows a longitudinal section of the line joint of figure 3;
  • figure 5 shows a schematic cross section view along line B-B of figure 4 of the same line joint;
  • figure 6 shows a schematic cross section view along line C-C of figure 4 of the same line joint
  • figure 7 shows a schematic cross section view along line A-A of figure 4 of the same line joint
  • figure 8 schematically shows a longitudinal section of the assembly formed by a line joint and two trunks of a duct coupled one to the other and in operative conditions;
  • figure 9 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a derivation or "T" joint of the apparatus for measuring soil humidity according to the present invention
  • figure 10 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a line joint provided with a power supply plug of the apparatus of this invention
  • figure 11 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a closing cap of the trunks or ducts of the apparatus according to the present invention
  • figure 12 schematically shows a longitudinal section of the same cap provided with terminal resistance
  • FIGS 13 and 14 schematically show the same number of possible installations of the apparatus of the present invention.
  • the apparatus for measuring soil humidity of this invention comprises a number of tubular elements or trunks (10) which, suitably connected one to the other as clarified hereinafter, form a network of ducts, buried at a depth preferably comprised between 10 and 80 centimetres according to the kind of crop.
  • the tubular elements 10, having suitable section and length may be formed through extrusion of rigid or flexible plastic material.
  • To said tubular elements 10 are coupled linear joints, shown in figures 3, 4, 8 and 10, "T" joints shown in figure 9, as well as end caps shown in figures 11 and 12. Said linear joints, "T" joints and end caps are made of rigid plastic material.
  • the tubular elements 10 incorporate in the wall thereof two electric cables 12, 14 preferably developed in diametrically opposed position; the electric cables 12, 14, advantageously devoid of insulating sheath, are made of copper or conductive metal material and are buried in the thickness of the walls of the tubular elements 10 upon performing the extrusion of the elements thereof.
  • the opposed ends of the electric cables 12, 14 are aligned to the respective heads of tubular elements 10 wherein said cables are inserted.
  • the apparatus of the present invention comprises, furthermore, linear joints 16 and 16', schematised in detail in figures 3, 4, 8 and 10 as well as "T" joints 18, one of which schematised in figure 9 and end caps 20, 22, all of them suitable to be fitted on the ends of the tubular elements 10.
  • the linear joints 16 and 16', the "T" joints 18 and the caps 20, 22 comprise means apt to guarantee the continuity of the cables 12, 14, therefore the continuity of the electric connection in the apparatus of the invention.
  • Said means advantageously consist of conductive foils developed according to a continuous and discontinuous spiral-wise pattern indicated with reference numeral 24 in figures 3, 4, 7 and from 8 to 10.
  • the metal conductive foils 24 have a substantially triangular profile with a sharp and cutting edge and extend along the lateral outer surface of the opposed end zones of said joints 16, 16', 18 and caps 20, 22.
  • the foils thereof are integral to opposed filaments 12', 14' integrated in the thickness of the wall of the joints 16, 16', 18 and caps 20, 22 upon the forming thereof, which is performed through thermal moulding.
  • the foils 24 are preferably made of copper, likewise the filaments 12', 14' wherefrom they extend.
  • the extension or outwards projection of the foils 24 is such as to allow them to abut the electric cables 12, 14 of tubular elements 10 when said latter are coupled to joints 16, 16', 18 and/or caps 20, 22. Said coupling is typically performed through a manual operation of substantial screwing.
  • the hydraulic seal of the connections between the different components of the apparatus of the invention is achieved by mechanical interference, but it cannot be excluded in any case the possibility to employ suitable gaskets, for example O-Rings, arranged in grooves formed on the joints 16, 16', 18, or on the caps 20, 22 and/or on the tubular elements 10, or, moreover, to further tighten the tubular elements 10 on the joints 16, 16', 18, or on the caps 20, 22 by means of a tightening nut. Furthermore, it cannot be excluded the possibility to employ suitable gaskets, for example O-Rings, arranged in grooves formed on the joints 16, 16', 18, or on the caps 20, 22 and/or on the tubular elements 10, for insulating the foils 24 from the fluid circulating in the apparatus forming the irrigation network.
  • suitable gaskets for example O-Rings
  • the tubular elements 10, the joints 16, 16', 18, and the caps 20, 22 are advantageously provided on the outside with a coloured trace in correspondence of the cables 12 and 14 in the case of the tubular elements 10 and in correspondence of the filaments 12' and 14' in the case of the joints 16, 16' and 18 and of the caps 20, 22.
  • Figure 10 shows by way of an example at least a further linear joint, globally indicated with reference numeral 16', provided with an electric supply plug.
  • the joint 16' is provided with an integral tubular expansion or extension 30, vertically oriented, whereto arrive respective derivations or terminations of the filaments 12', 14'.
  • the ends of said derivations are electrically powered, for example through a cap 32 screwed to the tubular expansion 30.
  • an instrument for measuring the variation in the dielectric constant of the soil with said electric cables representing the measurement probe connected to the wave generator and the signal analyser of the TDR system for example the PicoScope 5203, produced and distributed by Pico Technology, James House, Marlborough Road, Colmworth Business Park, PE19 8YP, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom.
  • caps shown in figures 11 and 12 are respectively short-circuited and provided with electric resistance 34 according to alternative solutions. Obviously in the case which it results advantageous to keep the terminals of the electric cables 12 and 14 open, it would be sufficient to employ a cap devoid of the filaments 12' and 14'.
  • Figure 13 defines a solution wherein the difference in potential is given between the electric cables of the same duct in this case a measure of the soil humidity locaHzed in the proximity of the roots of the plants shall be obtained.
  • the difference in electric potential is given between the electric cables of two ducts or contiguous lines, allowing the sampling of humidity at a higher depth.
  • This last configuration may be advantageously employed when the sub-irrigation ducts are arranged staggered respect to the plant rows.
  • the apparatus of the invention allows to measure in a direct way the average water content in the soil around the irrigation duct, therefore in correspondence of the root apparatus of the single plants and not in a punctual way. Water consumption may be therefore optimized, substantially reducing useless waste.
  • the apparatus may comprise mixed-linear and curvilinear elements, having the same features of the tubular elements 10 and/or of the joints 16, 16', 18 or of the caps 20, 22.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil pour mesurer l'humidité du sol, lequel appareil peut être employé dans des systèmes d'irrigation qui utilisent des tuyaux enterrés réalisés en matière plastique, et, spécialement, dans des systèmes de sous-irrigation par infiltration, et comprend un réseau de conduites constitué de tuyaux à développement rectiligne ou linéaire mixte enterrés, des raccords rectilignes ou en « T », des capuchons et d'éventuels éléments curvilignes. Dans cet appareil, un certain nombre de conduites rectilignes sont constituées par des éléments tubulaires (10), réalisés en une matière plastique rigide ou souple ayant une quelconque section appropriée incorporant deux câbles électriques (12, 14) faits d'un matériau métallique conducteur. Les éléments tubulaires (10) sont associés à des raccords rectilignes (16) ou en « T » (18) et à des capuchons d'extrémité (20-22) aptes à garantir la continuité électrique de cet appareil.
PCT/EP2011/005261 2010-10-22 2011-10-19 Appareil pour mesurer l'humidité du sol Ceased WO2012052165A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI2010A001957 2010-10-22
ITMI2010A001957A IT1402413B1 (it) 2010-10-22 2010-10-22 Apparato per la misurazione dell'umidita' del suolo.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012052165A1 true WO2012052165A1 (fr) 2012-04-26

Family

ID=43738075

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2011/005261 Ceased WO2012052165A1 (fr) 2010-10-22 2011-10-19 Appareil pour mesurer l'humidité du sol

Country Status (2)

Country Link
IT (1) IT1402413B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012052165A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109154590A (zh) * 2015-12-03 2019-01-04 克罗普克斯技术有限公司 土壤传感器组件
CN112881648A (zh) * 2021-01-15 2021-06-01 山东中正食品科技检测有限公司 一种土壤水份含量检测设备

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4952868A (en) 1986-05-19 1990-08-28 Scherer Iii Robert P Moisture sensing system for an irrigation system
US5203202A (en) * 1992-02-25 1993-04-20 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Apparatus for detecting leaks in circuits
US5942904A (en) 1995-01-17 1999-08-24 Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh Moisture sensor for large area layers
US6016971A (en) 1996-02-16 2000-01-25 Albert B. Welch Lawn watering system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4952868A (en) 1986-05-19 1990-08-28 Scherer Iii Robert P Moisture sensing system for an irrigation system
US5203202A (en) * 1992-02-25 1993-04-20 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Apparatus for detecting leaks in circuits
WO1993017316A1 (fr) 1992-02-25 1993-09-02 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Appareil de detection de fuites dans les canalisations
US5942904A (en) 1995-01-17 1999-08-24 Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh Moisture sensor for large area layers
US6016971A (en) 1996-02-16 2000-01-25 Albert B. Welch Lawn watering system

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109154590A (zh) * 2015-12-03 2019-01-04 克罗普克斯技术有限公司 土壤传感器组件
EP3384284A4 (fr) * 2015-12-03 2019-10-16 CropX Technologies, Ltd. Ensemble capteur de sol
US10736281B2 (en) 2015-12-03 2020-08-11 Cropx Technologies, Ltd. Soil sensor assembly
US10765073B2 (en) 2015-12-03 2020-09-08 Cropx Technologies, Ltd. Soil sensor assembly
CN112881648A (zh) * 2021-01-15 2021-06-01 山东中正食品科技检测有限公司 一种土壤水份含量检测设备

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT1402413B1 (it) 2013-09-04
ITMI20101957A1 (it) 2012-04-23

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