MSE Professor Rahim Leads Team Inventing Wireless Sensor to Assess Subsoil Health

Cutting costs for farmers: A new device invented by Purdue University researchers, led by Rahim Rahimi, can wirelessly monitor soil conditions without batteries or complicated electronics. The data collected by the "smart nail" sensor can be remotely monitored by an overhead drone, allowing farmers to more efficiently apply water and fertilizer. The device is designed to be scalable and cost-effective, making it accessible for both small, independent farmers and large commercial operations. It was inspired by years of collaboration with agricultural scientists and farmers.