Soil Nutrient Prediction and Crop Recommendation System: Conventional to Modern Methods of Soil NPK Sensing

Agriculture plays a crucial role in strengthening a nation’s economy. Crop production largely depends on two key factors: soil fertility and moisture levels. Fertilizer usage is generally guided by the nutrient content present in the soil, which is typically analyzed in a laboratory. Accurate fertilizer recommendations require a thorough nutrient assessment of the soil, but the manual testing process is often time-consuming. As a result, many farmers repeatedly grow the same crops without conducting lab tests, which gradually diminishes soil fertility. To restore and maintain soil productivity, it is essential to determine the appropriate stages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) required. Additionally, monitoring the soil’s pH value is crucial since the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) helps decide the ideal amount of fertilizer for optimal crop growth. Ensuring the right balance of nutrients not only improves soil quality but also enhances crop yield and product quality. This project introduces a color sensor paired with fiber optics to measure the NPK levels in soil, while a pH sensor is employed to monitor acidity or alkalinity. The NPK sensor operates on the principle of color absorption from the soil solution, providing reliable insights into nutrient content.