In order to obtain information about a salt-state of a road independently of drivers, a method that generates information about the salt-state of a road is specified that includes a determination of salt-state-dependent measurement values, processing of the measurement values into information about the salt-state of the road and outputting of the information about the salt-state of the road. A corresponding device that generates information about the salt-state of a road comprises sensors that determine of salt-state-dependent measurement values, a processing unit that is configured to process determined measurement values into information about the salt-state of the road, and output the information about the salt-state of the road.

A method for creating multifunctional cementitious composites that provide load-bearing and self-sensing properties. The method involves dispersing conductive nanomaterials (e.g., multi-walled carbon nanotubes) into a polymer (e.g., latex) material from which a thin film is created and deposited (e.g., sprayed) onto aggregates, which after drying, can be incorporated with cementitious materials and desired liquids and cast, along with sufficient number of electrodes, into a form for curing. After curing, the resultant structure can be electrically tested through the electrodes, for structural characteristics, including determination of damage severity and location using back-calculation utilizing electrical resistance tomography (ERT), or electrical impedance tomography (EIT), to generate a spatial resistivity map (distribution).

A sensor for detecting electrically conductive and/or polarizable particles, in particular for detecting soot particles, includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer, which is arranged between the substrate and the first electrode layer. An insulation layer is formed betweem the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and at least one opening is formed in the first electrode layer and in the insulation layer, wherein the opening of the first electrode layer and the opening of the insulation layer are arranged one over the other at least in some segments in such a way that at least one passage to the second electrode layer is formed.

A soil resistivity detection system for an agricultural implement includes a row unit having row unit components. The row unit components include a residue management system configured to condition soil at a leading edge of the row unit, an opening system configured to form a furrow in the soil, a closing assembly configured to close the furrow, and a press wheel assembly configured to compact the soil. The soil resistivity detection system also includes a control assembly configured to output an electrical current to a first pair of the row unit components, receive voltages from a second pair of the row unit components, determine a voltage differential based on the voltages, and determine a soil resistivity based on the voltage differential.

A method for detecting clogging of a subsurface flow constructed wetland, including the steps of firstly emptying water in the subsurface flow constructed wetland, and then measuring the apparent resistivity of the subsurface flow constructed wetland bed after the water is emptied, wherein the water holding capacity of clogging sediments in the clogged region after emptying is strong, the apparent resistivity of this region is further measured to be lower than an unclogged region and the clogged region can thus be positioned and analyzed, the apparent resistivity of the region clogged more seriously is lower and the degree of clogging can thus be quantitatively analyzed.

A sensor for determining soil properties is disclosed herein. The sensor includes a ground engaging structure adapted for coupling to an agricultural implement and to penetrate soil at a predetermined depth. An electrode assembly is disposed on a sensing surface of the ground engaging structure that includes a plurality of electrode sensing units. The plurality of electrode sensing units are configured to selectively generate a series of electric fields that project outwardly into the surrounding soil in response to receipt of an excitation signal and sense changes in the electric field corresponding to a change in a measured electrical output signal that is used to determine one or more soil properties during movement of the agricultural implement in a field.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture, soil electrical conductivity and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil reflectivity sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. A thermopile for measuring temperature via infrared radiation is described herein. In one example, the thermopile is disposed in a body and senses infrared radiation through an infrared transparent window. Aspects of any of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in or communicate with an agricultural intelligence computer system as described herein.

A soil measurement system is provided, comprising a soil surveying device, a radio receiver, a plurality of subterranean antennas, and a processor. The soil surveying device comprises a wireless radio transmitter configured to emit a wireless signal at a predetermined bandwidth in a predetermined spectrum. The plurality of subterranean antennas are in an array electronically connected to the radio receiver and configured to be mounted in a subterranean environment at different depths in the subterranean environment. Each of the plurality of subterranean antennas is configured to receive the wireless signal at a respective point in time. The processor is configured to determine a relative time of flight of the received wireless signal between the plurality of antennas at the respective point in time, and estimate a soil permittivity based on the determined relative time of flight. The measurement system may be applied to materials other than soil, in some examples.

A particulate matter detection system detects a particulate matter in exhaust gas. The particulate matter detection system includes: a particulate matter detection sensor in which at least one detection portion is provided, the at least one detection portion including at least one pair of multiple electrodes and a deposition surface which is interposed between the pair of electrodes and which the particulate matter is deposited on; a capacitor connected to the at least one detection portion in series; a power supply configured to apply a direct voltage to a series body including the at least one detection portion and the capacitor; and a voltage measurement portion configured to measure a voltage of the capacitor.

A mobile platform structured and operable to perform: in-field phenotype and/or genotype data acquisition; image data acquisition; tissue sampling; selection and/or counting of plants growing in a plot; plant height measurement; product and treatment application to plants growing in the plot (e.g., prescriptive and localized insecticide products); sampling of soil where such plants are growing; removal of weeds in such plots; and real-time analysis of all such data and/or samples acquired/collected. Additionally, when combined with location positioning technology and path planning, such a vehicle is further structured and operable to re-enter a field numerous times throughout a season to accurately and repeatably monitor growing conditions, plant response or prescriptive application of a product.