Commercialising the smart penetrometer (BANDICOOT®)

The previous Smart Soil Sensors project invested considerable time to understand what growers need in a soil sensor, which led to the development and refinement of the Soil CRC’s Smart Penetrometer. This farm-ready tool will be able to simultaneously measure soil moisture, penetration resistance (soil compaction), and salinity, while being mechanically driven into the soil.

Data from the Smart Penetrometer will be geolocated by GPS and displayed on both the device and mapped in real-time on a smart phone.

This project seeks to build on past success to continue the technical development of the Penetrometer and commence its commercial readiness. It will also conduct extensive grower evaluation and feedback.

Commercialisation and manufacturing of the Smart Penetrometer will put easy-to-use technology in the hands of farmers, giving them improved soil data to inform their decision-making.

Potential benefits for farmers include:

• better understanding of where and when soil properties vary
• reduced soil damage by improved ability to link the timing of cultivation and harvest to soil moisture
• improved understanding of spatial and temporal changes in soil compaction
• improved ability to identify and manage soil salinity
• improved ability to map soil salinity, texture, moisture and penetration resistance
• ability to investigate if poor production is due to salinity, waterlogging, water deficit, compaction, or changes in soil type.