Biodegradable Soil Moisture Sensor Components and Their Effect on Plant Growth
Disciplines
Civil Engineering | Environmental Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In contemporary agriculture, understanding and managing soil moisture levels is vital to maximizing crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Traditional soil moisture sensors often incorporate non-biodegradable materials, raising concerns about long-term environmental impact and sustainability. In response to this challenge, the development and utilization of biodegradable moisture sensors have emerged as a promising alternative. This research seeks to investigate the significance of biodegradable sensor components on capsicum annuum plant growth in the context of sustainable agricultural practices. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Kennesaw State University, by planting capsicum annuum seeds in pots of varying growing media: plain potting mix, 1:1 soil:manure blend, and 1:1:1 soil:manure:sand blend. Biodegradable materials (beeswax, soy wax, and balsa wood) were inserted an inch deep into numbered pots. Each pot received 200 mL of water every two to three days until the end of harvesting. Plants and materials were assessed (weighed and measured) during harvesting 30, 60, and 90 days after growth. The predicted outcome of this study suggests that biodegradable material will have a negligible effect on capsicum annuum growth when compared to control plants. This result indicates that beeswax, soy wax, and balsa wood are acceptable materials for biodegradable moisture sensor components.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Civil and Environmental Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Roneisha Worthy
Biodegradable Soil Moisture Sensor Components and Their Effect on Plant Growth
In contemporary agriculture, understanding and managing soil moisture levels is vital to maximizing crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Traditional soil moisture sensors often incorporate non-biodegradable materials, raising concerns about long-term environmental impact and sustainability. In response to this challenge, the development and utilization of biodegradable moisture sensors have emerged as a promising alternative. This research seeks to investigate the significance of biodegradable sensor components on capsicum annuum plant growth in the context of sustainable agricultural practices. This study was conducted in a greenhouse at Kennesaw State University, by planting capsicum annuum seeds in pots of varying growing media: plain potting mix, 1:1 soil:manure blend, and 1:1:1 soil:manure:sand blend. Biodegradable materials (beeswax, soy wax, and balsa wood) were inserted an inch deep into numbered pots. Each pot received 200 mL of water every two to three days until the end of harvesting. Plants and materials were assessed (weighed and measured) during harvesting 30, 60, and 90 days after growth. The predicted outcome of this study suggests that biodegradable material will have a negligible effect on capsicum annuum growth when compared to control plants. This result indicates that beeswax, soy wax, and balsa wood are acceptable materials for biodegradable moisture sensor components.