"Traditional soil nitrogen measurements are usually ex-situ using lab-based approaches that cause severe time delay. Our solid-state ion selective membrane (S-ISM) sensors address this imminent challenge by coating ultra-thin polyacrylamide hydrogel on the S-ISM surface to absorb water contained in soil. Tests using real-world soil obviously showed the enhanced accuracy and stability of these sensors. This pioneering study establishes a framework capable of real-time in situ, long-term continuous soil monitoring, a crucial technology with profound impacts on soil system resilience, nutrient management, contaminant removal, and energy-saving practices."
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