A Transient Printed Soil Decomposition Sensor Based on a Biopolymer Composite Conductor.

Soil health is one of the key factors in determining the sustainability of global agricultural systems and the stability of natural ecosystems. Microbial decomposition activity plays an important role in soil health; and gaining spatiotemporal insights into this attribute is critical for understanding soil function as well as for managing soils to ensure agricultural supply, stem biodiversity loss, and mitigate climate change. Here, a novel in situ electronic soil decomposition sensor that relies on the degradation of a printed conductive composite trace utilizing the biopolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) as a binder is presented.

Degradability of Biodegradable Soil Moisture Sensor Components and Their Effect on Maize ( L.) Growth.

Inexpensive and no-maintenance biodegradable soil moisture sensors could improve existing knowledge on spatial and temporal variability of available soil water at field-scale. Such sensors can unlock the full potential of variable-rate irrigation (VRI) systems to optimize water applications in irrigated cropping systems. The objectives of this study were to assess (i) the degradation of soil moisture sensor component materials and (ii) the effects of material degradation on maize ( L.

Poly(lactic acid)-Based Ink for Biodegradable Printed Electronics With Conductivity Enhanced through Solvent Aging.

Biodegradable electronics is a rapidly growing field, and the development of controllably biodegradable, high-conductivity materials suitable for additive manufacturing under ambient conditions remains a challenge. In this report, printable conductive pastes that employ poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a binder and tungsten as a conductor are demonstrated. These composite conductors can provide enhanced stability in applications where moisture may be present, such as environmental monitoring or agriculture.