CN117063054A

CN117063054A - Method and system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials

Info

Publication number: CN117063054A
Application number: CN202280019677.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·利维; R·哈曼; J·塞莉; A·瓦卡里; R·利特威勒; D·科赫
Original assignee: Precision Planting LLC
Current assignee: Precision Planting LLC
Priority date: 2021-05-20
Filing date: 2022-05-13
Publication date: 2023-11-14
Also published as: CN117063055A; CN116997787A; CN116981925A

Abstract

The present application relates to a system that can analyze agricultural materials. The system may include one or more inlets to receive agricultural material. The agricultural material may be a slurry (e.g., a soil slurry) comprising at least one solid and at least one liquid. The system may include a chamber configured to hold agricultural material. The chamber may include a mixing device configured to mix agricultural material. The system may include a flow control device configured to stop the flow of agricultural material in a first state or to move the flow of agricultural material in a second state. The system may include an agricultural material density device configured to determine a density of the agricultural material when the flow of the agricultural material is stopped in a first state and when the flow of the agricultural material is moved in a second state.

Description

Method and system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials

Cross reference to related applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Nos. 63/191,147, 63/191,159, 63/191,166 and 63/191,172, all filed on 5 months 20 of 2021. The above-mentioned applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural sampling and analysis, and more particularly to fully automated systems for performing soil and other types of agricultural related sampling and chemical analysis. Periodic soil testing is an important aspect of agricultural technology. The test results provide valuable information about the chemical composition of the soil, such as plant available nutrients and other important characteristics (e.g., levels of nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, pH, etc.), so that various modifiers can be added to the soil to maximize the quality and quantity of crop production.

In some existing soil sampling processes, the collected samples are dried, ground, added with water, and then filtered to obtain a soil slurry suitable for analysis. An extractant is added to the slurry to extract nutrients available to the plant. The slurry is then filtered to produce a clear solution or supernatant, which is mixed with chemicals for further analysis. There is a need for improved testing of soil, vegetation and fertilizer.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present disclosure may relate to a system, apparatus, or method configured to analyze agricultural material. The system may include one or more inlets to receive agricultural material. The agricultural material may include (e.g., be) a slurry (e.g., a soil slurry) that includes at least one solid and at least one liquid. The system may include a chamber configured to hold agricultural material. The chamber may include a mixing device configured to mix agricultural material. The system may include a flow control device configured to stop the flow of agricultural material in a first state or to move the flow of agricultural material in a second state. The system may include an agricultural material density device configured to determine a density of the agricultural material when the flow of the agricultural material is stopped in a first state and when the flow of the agricultural material is moved in a second state.

In another aspect, a system, apparatus, or method may be configured to analyze agricultural material. The system may include one or more inlets to receive agricultural material. The agricultural material may include (e.g., be) a slurry (e.g., a soil slurry) that includes at least one solid and at least one liquid. The system may include a chamber configured to hold agricultural material. The chamber may include a mixing device configured to mix agricultural material. The system may include a particle density device configured to determine a density of the at least one solid of agricultural material. The system may include an agricultural material density device (e.g., a density measurement device) configured to determine a density of the agricultural material.

In another aspect, a system, apparatus, or method may be configured to analyze agricultural material. The system may include one or more inlets to receive agricultural material. Agricultural materials include (e.g., are) slurries (e.g., soil slurries) that include at least one solid and at least one liquid. The system may include a chamber configured to house one or more agricultural materials. The chamber may include a mixing device configured to mix agricultural material. The system may include a particle density device configured to determine a mass of organic matter of the at least one solid of agricultural material.

Drawings

The present disclosure will become more readily understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of a subsystem of an example sample analysis system as described herein;

FIGS. 2A, 2B are schematic diagrams of exemplary analysis systems as described herein;

3A-3C are illustrations of exemplary slurry densitometers or measurement devices that may be used in the exemplary analysis systems described herein;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an example particle density measurement apparatus that may be used in the example analysis system described herein;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional views of a reflective particle density measurement apparatus that may be used in the exemplary analysis system described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example controller for controlling systems and devices as described herein;

FIG. 7 is an example process of determining the ratio of fluid to solids in a slurry as described herein.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention. The description of the illustrative embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front" and "rear" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the directions as then described or as illustrated in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. The terms "attached," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," "secured," and the like refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

The discussion herein describes and illustrates some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may be present alone or in other combinations of features. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" should be interpreted as a logical operator that produces true whenever one or more of its operands are true. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be construed as meaning "based at least in part on" and is therefore not limited to an interpretation of "based entirely on"

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between a definition in the present disclosure and a definition of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

The features of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The computer programs described herein are not limited to any particular embodiment, and may be implemented in an operating system, application program, foreground or background process, driver, or any combination thereof. The computer program may be executed on a single computer or server processor or on multiple computers or server processors.

The processor described herein may be any Central Processing Unit (CPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, computing or programmable device or circuitry configured to execute computer program instructions (e.g., code). The various processors may be embodied in any suitable type of computer and/or server hardware (e.g., desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet, cellular telephone, etc.) and may include all the usual auxiliary components required to form a functional data processing device, including but not limited to buses, software, and data storage such as volatile or non-volatile memory, input/output devices, graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), removable data storage, and wired and/or wireless communication interface devices, including Wi-Fi, bluetooth, LAN, etc.

Computer-executable instructions or programs (e.g., software or code) and data described herein may be programmed into a non-transitory computer-readable medium and tangibly embodied in the medium, which, as described herein, may be accessed and retrieved by a corresponding processor that configures and directs the processor to perform the required functions and processes by executing the instructions. Devices containing programmable processors are configured as such non-transitory computer-executable instructions or programs, may be referred to as "programmable devices" or "devices", and a plurality of programmable devices in communication with each other may be referred to as a "programmable system". It should be noted that the non-transitory "computer-readable medium" described herein can include, but is not limited to, any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory including Random Access Memory (RAM) and its various types, read-only memory (ROM) and its various types, USB flash memory, and magnetic or optical data storage devices (e.g., internal/external hard disks, floppy disks, tape CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, optical disks, ZIP-s ^TM A drive, a blu-ray disc, etc.), which can be written to and/or read by a processor operatively connected to the medium.

In certain embodiments, the invention may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses, for example, processor-based data processing and communication systems or computer systems for practicing those processes. The present invention may also be embodied in the form of software or computer program code embodied in non-transitory computer readable storage media, which when loaded into and executed by a data processing and communications system or computer system, configures the processor to create specific logic circuits configured to implement a process. It should be noted that common components such as memory devices and power supplies are not discussed herein as their role will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example sampling system 1000. The system 1000 may include one or more subsystems that provide processing and/or chemical analysis, sample preparation, and/or chemical analysis of samples (e.g., soil samples) from farmland collection. In one example, system 1000 can be incorporated on a mobile sampling vehicle configured to traverse a farmland for collecting and processing soil samples from various areas of the farmland. In other examples, system 1000 may exist as a stand-alone station (e.g., a terminal kiosk) for processing samples.

The system 1000 can provide (e.g., generate) a comprehensive and/or accurate nutrient and/or chemical profile of a sample (e.g., a soil sample, such as a soil field) to identify (e.g., quickly and easily identify) soil amendments and/or application amounts necessary for one or more areas based on quantification of available nutrient and/or chemical characteristics of plants in the sample. Sample system 1000 may allow for the simultaneous processing and chemical analysis of multiple samples for various plant available nutrients.

As shown in fig. 1, soil sampling system 1000 may include one or more subsystems, such as a sample sampling subsystem 1001, a sample preparation subsystem 1002, and/or a chemical analysis subsystem 1003. Portions of soil sampling system 1000, including sample collection subsystem 1001, are described in U.S. patent application publication No. 2018/0123992 A1, PCT publication No. WO2020/012369, PCT application No. PCT/IB2021/051077, and/or PCT application No. PCT/IB2021/052872, filed on 7 of 4 months of 2021, filed on 10 days of 2021. Other sampling systems are described in the following U.S. application serial No.: 62/983237, 28 th day of the year 2020; 63/017789, 30 days of the year 2020; 63/017840, 30 days of the year 2020; 63/018120, 30 days of the year 2020; 63/018153, 30 days of the year 2020; 63/191147, 20 th day 5 of 2021; 63/191159, 20 th day 5 of 2021; 63/191166, day 20, month 5 of 2021; 63/191172, 20 th day at 2021; 17/326050, 20 th day at 2021; 63/191186, 20 th day of 2021; 63/191189, 20 th day at 2021; 63/191195, 20 th day 5 of 2021; 63/191199, 20 th day at 2021; 63/191204, 20 th day at 2021; 17/3434, at 2021, month 6, 9; 63/208865, at 2021, month 6, 9; 17/343536, at 2021, month 6, 9; 63/213319, 22 nd day 2021; 63/260772, at 2021, 8, 31; 63/260776, at month 31 of 2021; 63/260777, at month 31 of 2021; 63/245278, 9 months, 17 days 2021; 63/264059, at 2021, 11, 15; 63/264062, at 2021, 11, 15; 63/264065, at 2021, 11, 15; 63/268418, 23 nd day 2022; 63/268419, 23 nd day 2022; 63/268990, submitted at month 3 and 8 of 2022; PCT/IB2021/051076 submitted on month 2 and 10 of 2021; PCT application PCT/IB2021/051077 filed on 10/2/2021; PCT/IB2021/052872, submitted at 7, 4, 2021; PCT/IB2021/052874, 7, 4, 2021; PCT/IB2021/052875, submitted at 7, 4, 2021; PCT/IB2021/052876 was submitted at 7, 4, 2021. At 1010, the sample acquisition subsystem 1001 may detect, extract, and/or acquire soil samples from a field. The sample may be in the form of a soil plug, a core, or the like. At 1012, the collected sample may be transferred into a containment chamber or container for further processing by sample preparation subsystem 1002.

At 1020, sample preparation subsystem 1002 may receive a soil sample (e.g., a core) in a mixing filtration device and/or transfer the core in a classification chamber. At 1022, sample preparation subsystem 1002 may determine (e.g., quantify) the volume/mass of the soil sample. At 1024, the sample preparation subsystem 1002 may add a predetermined amount or volume of fluid, such as filtered water (e.g., based on the volume/mass of the soil). At 1026, sample preparation subsystem 1002 may mix a mixture of soil and water to produce a soil sample slurry. At 1028, sample preparation subsystem 1002 may remove or transfer slurry from the mixing filtration apparatus. At 1030, sample preparation subsystem 1002 may self-clean the hybrid filtration device. It should be understood that soil and soil slurries are used in this disclosure, but these terms are for illustrative purposes only. The mixture of solids and liquids may include a mixture of soil and water, as well as other mixtures including agricultural materials in examples (e.g., manure mixtures, vegetation mixtures, etc.).

At 1030, chemical analysis subsystem 1003 may receive (e.g., extract) soil slurry from a hybrid filter device (e.g., hybrid filter device of subsystem 1002). At 1032, chemical analysis subsystem 1003 may add an extractant (e.g., to the slurry). At 1033, the chemical analysis subsystem 1003 may mix the extractant and slurry (e.g., in a chamber), for example, to extract analytes of interest (e.g., plant available nutrients). At 1034, the chemical analysis subsystem 1003 may centrifuge the extractant slurry mixture, e.g., to produce a clarified liquid or supernatant. At 1036, the chemical analysis subsystem 1003 may remove the supernatant or transfer the supernatant to a chamber (e.g., a second chamber). At 1038, chemical analysis subsystem 1003 can inject reagents. At 1040, the chemical analysis subsystem 1003 may hold the supernatant-reagent mixture for a holding time, e.g., to allow for a chemical reaction (e.g., a complete chemical reaction) with the reagent. At 1042, the chemical reaction can measure absorbance, for example by colorimetric analysis. At 1044, the chemical reaction may clean and/or assist in cleaning the chemical analysis apparatus.

Fig. 2A is an example system diagram illustrating an agricultural sample analysis system 2000. Fig. 2B is an exploded view illustrating a recirculation loop of components within the example system 2000 shown in fig. 2A. Agricultural sample analysis system 2000 and sampling system 1000 (fig. 1) may have one or more (e.g., all) of the same components. It should be understood that the order of the devices and equipment (e.g., pumps, valves, etc.) shown in fig. 2A, 2B is for illustration purposes only and may be switched and repositioned in the system without affecting the function of the unit. Further, devices and equipment such as valves, pumps, flow devices, sensors (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.), particle density devices (e.g., soil particle density devices), density measurement devices, organic matter measurement devices, etc. may be added or removed. Thus, the system is not limited to the configuration and apparatus/devices shown separately.

As shown in fig. 2A, 2B, the system 2000 may include one or more inlets 2002A, 2002B (collectively, inlets 2002). The inlet 2002 can provide an inlet passage for one or more agricultural materials, such as solids (e.g., soil, via the soil inlet 2002 a), slurries (e.g., soil slurries), fluids (e.g., water) (via the fluid inlet 2002 b), and the like. Portions of system 2000 may represent soil sample preparation subsystem 1002 (fig. 1), which may prepare (e.g., initially prepare) a slurry. For example, the system 2000 may include one or more of a mixer, agitator, and/or filtration device, which may include a mixing and/or agitation chamber in which water is added to the soil sample to prepare a slurry, and a coarse filter that may remove larger particles (e.g., small stones, rocks, debris, etc.) from the prepared soil slurry. The coarse filter may be sized to pass a desired (e.g., maximum) particle size in the slurry to ensure uniform flow and density of the slurry for weight/density measurements used in the method, as described further herein.

Agricultural sample analysis system 2000 can include one or more chambers (e.g., mixing chamber 2004 and/or stirring chamber 2014), soil particle density (s.p.d.) device 2022, density measurement device (d.m.d.) 2020, fine filtration device 2030, analyte extraction system 2024, ultra-fine filtration system 2005, and measurement system 2009.

For example, the received agricultural material (e.g., soil) and/or fluid (e.g., water) may be contained in a chamber, such as the mixing chamber 2004. The mixing chamber 2004 may be used to combine and/or mix one or more agricultural materials. For example, as described herein, soil (e.g., soil received within soil inlet 2002 a) may be mixed with a fluid (e.g., water received via fluid inlet 2002 b) to produce a soil slurry. The mixing device 2006 can be used to mix agricultural material with fluid within the mixing chamber 2004. The system may receive additional material, such as pressurized air (via inlet 2003) and/or pressurized water (via inlet 2085). The mixing chamber 2004 may be configured to break down the soil and/or ensure that the slurry is well mixed/blended. In one example, the mixing motor 2006 in the mixing chamber 2004 may operate at about 15000rpm with one or more blades (e.g., aggressive blades). The mixing chamber 2004 may include one or more baffles (e.g., bumps) on the sidewall. The baffles may be configured to prevent or mitigate the circulation of soil along the exterior of the vessel (e.g., to improve mixing of materials within the slurry).

The system 2000 may include one or more devices to prevent, allow, and/or reduce movement of material (e.g., material from the mixing chamber 2004). In an example, the system 2000 may include one or more valves 2008A, 2008B (collectively referred to as valves 2008). Valves 2008A, 2008B (e.g., pinch valves) may prevent, allow, and/or reduce movement of materials. For example, the valve 2008A may prevent or allow movement of slurry, which may include solids (e.g., soil), fluids. The valve 2008B may prevent or allow movement of materials other than slurry, such as pressurized air and/or water for dredging or cleaning the devices of the system 2000. Although fig. 2A, 2B illustrate an example system 2000 having multiple valves 2008, it is understood that more or fewer valves 2008 may be provided in the examples.

When valve 2008A allows material (e.g., some or all of the material) to exit mixing chamber 2004, the material may move to filter 2010. The material may move to the filter 2010 via the mixed slurry inlet 2011. Filter 2010 may be a coarse filter that allows particles having a desired (e.g., maximum) particle size to pass therethrough. Filter 2010 may be used to ensure that the passing material (e.g., the passing slurry material) has a uniform size. Material (e.g., rock or other large debris, such as wood chips and/or crop residues) that does not pass through filter 2010 may be removed from system 2000 through waste outlet 2012. The material that does pass through filter 2010 may move to recirculation loop 2079. The material may be held in place by valve 2008A. For example, valve 2008A may prevent material (e.g., waste) from exiting via waste outlet 2012, and/or valve 2008A may prevent material from being provided to recirculation loop 2079, as described herein.

Slurry recirculation loop 2079 may include agitation chamber 2014, particle density device 2022, density measurement device 2020, and fine filtration device 2030 for particle density measurement and/or slurry density measurement (e.g., dynamic and/or continuous particle density measurement, and/or slurry density measurement). One or more components within the slurry recirculation loop 2079 may determine the density of the slurry (e.g., the total slurry density), the particle density within the slurry (e.g., solid particles, such as soil), and the like. The slurry recirculation loop 2079 may be treated one or more times. In an embodiment, the slurry recirculation loop 2079 may be treated until a desired value is reached. For example, the slurry recirculation loop 2079 may continue to be treated until a desired ratio of fluid (e.g., water) to solids (e.g., soil) within the slurry is reached.

The received agricultural material (e.g., slurry, such as soil slurry) may be contained in a chamber, such as the stirring chamber 2014. The stir chamber 2014 may be used to stir one or more agricultural materials. For example, the soil slurry may be stirred with a fluid (e.g., water received via fluid inlet 2015) to produce a soil slurry having a higher fluid to soil ratio. The stirring device 2016 may be used to stir agricultural materials within the stirring chamber 2014.

A level sensor 2061 (e.g., an ultrasonic level sensor) may be provided. The level sensor 2061 may be configured to determine the level of slurry within the stir chamber 2014, for example. Based on the level of slurry in the stir chamber, the level sensor 2061 may determine whether the amount of slurry in the stir chamber 2014 is at a predetermined (e.g., desired) level. In an example, the liquid level sensor 2061 may be configured to decrease the stirring speed in the stirring chamber 2014 if the liquid level within the stirring chamber 2014 is below a predetermined liquid level, or to increase the stirring speed in the stirring chamber 2014 if the liquid level within the stirring chamber 2014 is above a predetermined liquid level.

The stir chamber 2014 may be configured to prevent soil from settling out of solution (e.g., to maintain a slurry in a homogeneous state). In one example, the stirring motor 2016 in the stirring chamber 2014 may operate one blade per shaft, for example, at about 1000 rpm. The stir chamber 2014 may include one or more separate shafts (e.g., two separate shafts). The shaft may be rotated in the opposite direction. One or more separate shafts may help agitate the slurry and reduce turbulence (e.g., air rolling down the shaft). By reducing the turbulence, air can be prevented or reduced from entering the slurry loop. Preventing or reducing air from entering the slurry loop may improve density measurement. The slurry may be introduced tangentially into the mixing chamber 2014, for example, to reduce air entrainment.

The slurry may be filtered. For example, as shown in fig. 2A, 2B, the slurry may be filtered before moving to the particle density device 2022. The slurry may be filtered, for example, through a fine filter 2030, before the slurry moves to the particle density device 2022. Although fig. 2A, 2B illustrate the fine filter 2030 as being located before the density measurement device 2020, in examples, one or more of the fine filters 2030 may be located elsewhere (e.g., after the density measurement device 2020), or the fine filter 2030 may be omitted entirely. Fine filter 2030 may include fine screening (e.g., in one possible embodiment, a maximum particle size channel of less than 0.04 inches/1 mm, such as about 0.010 inches/0.25 mm). The fine filter 2030 may allow the agricultural slurry sample to pass through one or more analysis components without causing flow obstructions/blockages. For soil, small particles passing through the fine filter unit may account for a large portion of the soil nutrient content, so the fine filter slurry may be used for final chemical analysis in the system. It should be appreciated that fine filtration may be used and/or applied to slurries composed of other agricultural materials to be sampled (e.g., vegetation, fertilizer, etc.), and is not limited to soil slurries. The particles filtered through the fine filter may be discarded. For example, large particles filtered by fine filter 2030 may be discarded via waste outlet 2063.

In examples where the slurry has not reached a desired value (e.g., a desired ratio, such as a desired soil to fluid ratio), the slurry may continue to reach the particle density device 2022 (e.g., may continue through the recirculation loop 2079, as described herein). In examples where the slurry has reached a desired value (e.g., ratio, such as a desired soil to fluid ratio), the slurry may travel outside of the recirculation loop via outlet 2095, e.g., to extraction system 2024. Although outlet 2095 is described as occurring before particle density device 2022 and density measurement device 2020, it should be understood that outlet 2095 may be positioned anywhere within system 2000, such as before, between, or after particle density device 2022 and density measurement device 2020, before or after fine filter 2030, and so forth.

The particle density device 2022 may be a soil particle density measurement device. As further described herein, the particle density device 2022 may determine the density of solids (e.g., soil) within the slurry. Although the particle density measurement apparatus 2022 may be described throughout this disclosure as a soil particle density measurement apparatus 2022, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only, and that the particle density measurement apparatus 2022 may determine the density of one or more other agricultural solids other than soil, such as manure, vegetation, and the like. Examples of particle density devices are shown in fig. 4 and 5A/5B.

Fig. 2A and 2B show a density measurement device 2020. The density measurement device 2020 may determine the density of a material or combination of materials (e.g., a slurry formed from one or more fluids and one or more solids). The density measurement device 2020 may obtain a density of the mixed agricultural sample slurry prepared in a sample preparation chamber (e.g., a mixing filtration apparatus). In one example, the density measurement device 2020 may be a digital densitometer of the U-tube oscillator type shown in fig. 3A-3C, which may be used to measure the density (e.g., total density) of the sample slurry. Although in the examples the sample slurry may be a soil slurry, in other examples the slurry may be composed of one or more materials other than soil. For example, it should be understood that any type of agricultural sample slurry may be processed in the system, including soil, vegetation, fertilizer, and the like. It should also be understood that the devices provided in system 2000 are for illustration purposes only. In an example, one or more devices may be added to the system 2000 or excluded by the system.

The soil density (e.g., soil particle density) and/or slurry density (e.g., slurry total density) may be a ratio of soil mass (for soil density) and (or slurry mass (for slurry density) to their respective volumes.

The ratio of solids to water in the slurry may be determined based on one or more parameters, such as the density of water in the slurry, the density of solids (e.g., soil) in the slurry, and the density of the slurry (e.g., the total density of the slurry). For example, the density of water is known. By determining the density of the solids in the slurry and the density of the slurry (e.g., the total density of the slurry), the ratio of solids to water can be determined (e.g., accurately). If a solid to water ratio is determined, the amount of diluent (e.g., water) that needs to be added to the slurry (e.g., soil sample) to achieve the desired water to soil ratio can be determined. The desired water to soil ratio may be the ratio required for chemical analysis of the analyte.

As described herein, by determining (e.g., dynamically determining) the soil particle density of the soil in the slurry, the exact soil to water ratio of the slurry can be determined. For example, a more accurate ratio of soil to water ratio of the slurry may be determined by conventional systems. Thus, dynamically determining the soil particle density of the soil in the slurry provides an advantage over conventional systems that use a predetermined (e.g., static) value of the solid (e.g., soil) density in determining the ratio of solid to liquid in the slurry, as conventional systems may be incorrect or inaccurate for the predetermined (e.g., static) value of the solid density.

The accuracy of the slurry density determined by the density measurement device 2022 (e.g., u-tube) may depend on the material in the slurry. For example, the density measurement device 2022 may provide a more accurate slurry density measurement for a homogeneous material (e.g., a completely or near completely mixed material). In an example, the homogeneous material may be referred to as a solution. In contrast, the density measurement device 2022 may provide less accurate measurements for non-homogeneous materials (incompletely or nearly completely mixed). The heterogeneous material may be referred to as a suspension in the examples. For example, the density measurement device 2020 may provide inaccurate (e.g., less accurate) results for the soil slurry because the soil and water may not be completely (or nearly completely) mixed with each other.

To correct for uneven material (e.g., soil slurry), the density measurement device 2022 may perform one or more actions. For example, as described herein, the density measurement device 2022 may determine the total density of the slurry as the slurry flows through the density measurement device 2022, and the density measurement device 2022 may determine the total density of the slurry as the flow of the slurry ceases. By comparing the total density of the slurry as it flows with the total density when it is not flowing, a more accurate determination of the total density of the slurry can be determined. For example, by not adding settled particles to the total slurry density, the determined total slurry density may be comparable to the density of a determined homogeneous (e.g., more homogeneous) material.

Measurements of slurry (e.g., soil particle density measurements, slurry density measurements, organic matter measurements, etc.) may be provided to a system controller 6820 (also shown in fig. 6). As described herein, the system controller 6820 may perform one or more operations based on the provided measurements. For example, the system controller 6820 may determine a water to soil ratio of the slurry (e.g., slurry through the recirculation loop 2079) based on the provided information. If the determined ratio is the desired ratio, the system controller 6820 can cause the slurry to end (e.g., exit) the recirculation loop 2079. If the determined ratio is not the desired ratio, the system controller 6820 can cause the slurry to continue to recirculate to the loop 2079. As described herein, continuing to recycle the slurry of loop 2079 may allow additional material (e.g., water, soil) to be added to the slurry. For example, slurry continuing within recirculation loop 2079 may allow water to be added to the slurry (e.g., via fluid inlet 2015) to change the water-to-soil ratio of the slurry.

In examples where the slurry continues through recirculation loop 2079, additional material (e.g., agricultural material) may be provided to the slurry. For example, as shown in fig. 2A, 2B, water and/or air may be provided. For example, water and/or air may be provided to unblock or clean one or more devices (e.g., pipes) in which the slurry flows or in which the slurry is assisted. The slurry may move to flow through the accumulator 2083. The flow through the accumulator 2083 may regulate (e.g., attenuate) pressure fluctuations and/or pulses in the recirculation loop 2079 that may be caused by the recirculation pump 2081.

One or more devices may be used to assist in the flow of slurry through the system 2000 or to stop the flow of slurry. For example, a pump such as pump 2081 (e.g., a recirculation pump) may be used to move the slurry or stop the movement of the slurry. A valve (e.g., valve 2008A) may be used to allow movement of the slurry or to prevent movement of the slurry. For example, the pump 2081 may be used to transfer slurry from and/or into one or more of the mixer 2004, the mixer 2014, the filter, the density measurement device 2020, or the soil particle density device 2022 via pumping of the pump 2081 and/or via pressurizing the mixing filter device chamber with pressurized air provided by a fluid coupling to a pressurized air source. In an example, the pump 2081 can fluidly drive a recirculation flow in a closed recirculation flow loop 2079 formed by a flow conduit 2059 (see, e.g., fig. 2A) including a conduit and/or piping, and return filtered slurry to the chamber 2014. The recirculation pump 2081 may be a slurry pump. In examples where slurry is able to flow through the closed recirculation flow loop 2079 (e.g., the entire closed recirculation flow loop 2079) without the aid of the recirculation pump 2081, the recirculation pump 2081 may be omitted.

The system 2000 can recirculate (e.g., continuously recirculate) slurry (e.g., coarsely filtered slurry) back to the chamber 2014 for a period of time and/or for multiple iterations. By continuously recirculating slurry through the mixer and/or coarse filter in the closed recirculation flow loop 2079, recirculation may help produce a uniform slurry mixture for analysis faster than using the mixer alone. During density measurement, for example, fluid may be metered (e.g., automatically metered) and/or added to the mixer filter apparatus based on a monitoring system of slurry density measured by a density measurement device 2020, which may be operatively coupled to a controller to achieve a preprogrammed water-to-soil ratio. The slurry can be better mixed by such continuous slurry recirculation.

Once a uniform slurry (e.g., a slurry having a desired water to soil ratio) is obtained, the slurry may travel outside of recirculation loop 2079 through outlet 2095, as described herein. The slurry may travel to an extraction system 2024, an ultra-fine filter 2005, and/or a measurement system 2009. In one example, the measurement system 2009 may include one or more sensors, such as one or more Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) or ion selective field effect electrode (ISFET) sensors, although these examples are for illustration purposes only and the sensors may be one or more other sensors. ISE or ISFET sensors can sense one or more analytes (e.g., P, K, ca, mg, etc.) when analyzing a slurry. One or more mechanisms may be provided for cleaning (e.g., automatic cleaning) of one or more components of the system 2000, such as for cleaning of the measurement system 2009. For example, one or more ports (e.g., fluid ports) may be provided for cleaning one or more sensors of the measurement system 2009. The one or more fluid ports may provide one or more fluids, such as water, to clean the one or more sensors.

The flow of draw slurry may be controlled by a suitable control valve 2008A, the position of which may be varied between an open full flow, a closed no flow, and a throttled partially open flow. Once a uniform slurry with the desired water to soil ratio is achieved, or as otherwise preprogrammed, the valve 2008 can be operated manually or automatically by a controller to open at the appropriate time. One or more valves 2008 may be used to open the flow to the water to back flush the filter during the cleaning cycle to prepare the next sample.

The slurry stream may travel from the extraction system 2024 to the ultra-fine filtration subsystem 2005. The ultra-fine filtration system 2005 may include one or more ultra-fine filters configured to pass slurry particles having a smaller size than allowed to pass through the coarse filter 2010 and the fine filter 2063. For example, microfilter 2005 may be a microporous filter that may replace a centrifuge and/or may be configured to produce a clarified filtrate from a soil slurry and extractant mixture that is used as a supernatant for chemical analysis. In one example, a representative pore size that may be used for microfilter 2005 may be about 0.05 μm to 1.00 μm, although other sizes may be used. Pressurized air and fluid may be provided to the slurry via pressurized air inlet 2067 and fluid inlet 2069, respectively. Waste product may be discharged via waste outlet 2068. The portion of the slurry stream that passes through the microfilter 2005 may be moved to a measurement system 2009 for further processing at a ratio that includes the desired slurry ratio.

An exemplary density measurement device 3010 is illustrated in fig. 3A-3C. The density measurement device 3010 may be identical to the device 2020 (fig. 2A, 2B), but in an example the density measurement device 3010 may be different from the density measurement device 2020. As shown in fig. 3A-3C, the density measurement device 3010 may include one or more components. For example, the density measurement device 3010 may include an oscillating tube 3032, as described herein. The density measurement device 3010 may include a base 3014, a plurality of spacers 3015, a tube mounting block 3017, a flow connection manifold 3018, at least one or a pair of permanent magnets 3025, an electronic circuit control board 3016, and an electrical communication interface unit 3016-1 configured for power supply to the board and a communication interface to one or more system controllers.

The base 3014 may be configured to mount a density measurement device 3010. For example, the base 3014 may be configured to mount the density measurement device 3010 on a flat horizontal support surface, a vertical support surface, or a support surface disposed at any angle therebetween. Thus, any suitable corresponding mounting orientation of the base may be used as desired. The mounting orientation of the pedestal may be determined by the intended oscillation direction of the oscillator tube 3032 while taking into account the weight force on the oscillator tube that is loaded with slurry. In an example, the base 3014 may be oriented in many and/or various ways, as it may be advantageous to install slurry channels in the shaker tube in a manner that achieves as high a horizontal channel percentage as possible.

The oscillation tube 3032 may have one or more portions, such as one or more straight portions 3032-1, and/or one or more curved portions, such as lower curved portions 3032-3 or upper curved portions 3032-4. As shown in fig. 3C, the mounting orientation of the base may be oriented such that the straight portion 3032-1 of the tube 3032 is oriented in a vertical (or substantially vertical) direction and/or orientation. By orienting the straight portion of the tube in a vertical direction and/or orientation, acceleration (e.g., acceleration due to gravity) may cause and/or allow particles (e.g., dense particles, large particles, non-uniform particles) to settle. For example, by orienting the tubes in a vertical direction and/or orientation, acceleration (e.g., acceleration due to gravity) may cause and/or allow particles (e.g., dense particles, large particles, non-uniform particles) to settle as slurry stops flowing (or slowly flows) through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032). Particles may settle in one or more portions of the u-tube 3032, such as in one or more legs of the u-tube 3032, at the bottom 3032-2 of the u-tube 3032, in bends (e.g., lower bends 3032-3), outside the u-tube 3032 (e.g., via particles exiting the u-tube 3032, such as via through holes of the flow connection manifold 3018), and so forth. The particles may settle longitudinally from anti-node to node and vice versa. The settled particles may not participate in the oscillation of the u-tube 3032 and therefore may not participate in the density measurement. The density (e.g., total density) of the slurry may be determined and/or corrected by determining a density measurement of the slurry including the particles (e.g., when the particles are not settled) and/or determining a density measurement of the slurry not including the particles (e.g., when the particles are settled), as described herein.

In an example, a value related to particle sedimentation may be determined. For example, the time for complete settling of the particles, most settling, etc. can be determined. The time it takes from the slurry flow to the slurry stopping (e.g., stagnating) to reach the steady state frequency can be determined. A frequency change (e.g., absolute frequency change, percent frequency change, etc.) may be determined. For example, an absolute frequency change after a period of time (e.g., a predetermined period of time) from when the slurry flows to when the slurry stops may be determined. The percent frequency change after a set time interval (e.g., a set time interval from slurry flow to slurry stop) may be determined.

As described herein, the flow of material (e.g., slurry) through the density measurement device 3010 may be regulated. For example, the flow of material through the density measurement device 3010 may be stopped, slowed, accelerated, and so forth. The flow of material may be stopped, started, reduced or accelerated via a pump (e.g., pump 2081), stopped or started via a valve (e.g., valve 2008A), and so forth. The density of the material may be determined as the material flows through the density measurement device 3010, and/or may be determined as the flow is adjusted (e.g., stopped). For example, the density of the material may be determined when the flow is stopped. The density of the material may be determined at a predetermined time (e.g., a predetermined time since the flow material stopped). By regulating (e.g., stopping) the flow of material, particles (e.g., relatively larger particles) may fall (e.g., settle) to one or more portions of the u-tube 3032, such as the bottom 3032-2 of the vertically aligned vibrating tube 3032, one or more portions of the legs of the density measurement device, the exterior of the vibrating tube 3032, etc. Settled particles (e.g., dense particles, large particles, non-uniform particles) may not be determinable as part of the slurry density measurement. The correction factor for the density measurement of the slurry may be determined based on the particles that have settled. The correction factor may be applied to modify (e.g., correct) the slurry and/or a density measurement of the soil of the slurry.

As described herein, orienting the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) in a vertical direction (e.g., a substantially vertical orientation) and/or stopping the flow of slurry within the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) may improve the accuracy of the determination of the density measurement (e.g., the overall density measurement) of the slurry. Improved accuracy of the overall density measurement of the slurry may result in improved determination of soil to water mass ratio measurements of the slurry (e.g., soil slurry).

The u-tube may oscillate to determine the density of the slurry. The u-tube may oscillate when slurry is flowing through the density measurement device 3010 and/or may oscillate when slurry is not flowing through the density measurement device 3010. The u-tube may oscillate to determine the density of the slurry as the slurry flows through the density measurement device 3010 and as the slurry does not flow through the density measurement device 3010. For example, when pumping of fluid is stopped (e.g., paused), flow through the u-tube may be stopped (e.g., paused) within the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032 of the density measurement device 3010). As the flow stops, the u-tube 3032 may continue to oscillate and, based on gravity, particles 3050 (e.g., large particles, non-uniform particles, etc.) within the slurry may be deposited at one or more portions of the density measurement device 3011, such as at the bottom 3032-2 of the u-tube 3032 or at the legs of the density measurement device 3010. The slurry density during a flow stop (e.g., pause) and the slurry density during slurry flow may be determined.

U-tube 3032 may oscillate as slurry flows through density measurement device 3010. As the slurry flows, particles 3050 within the slurry may not settle at one or more portions of the density measurement device 3011. The density of the slurry during the slurry flow may be determined. The density (e.g., total density) of the slurry during the stop (e.g., pause) may be compared to the density (e.g., total density) of the slurry as it flows through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032). The slurry density during a stop (e.g., pause) may be compared to the slurry density as it flows through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) to improve the determination of the slurry density (e.g., total density). For example, the difference in density measurements in the non-settled state and at least partially settled state (e.g., during oscillation of u-tube 3032) allows for correction of the density measurements in normal flow conditions. The slurry density during a stop (e.g., pause) may be compared to the slurry density as it flows through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) because large suspended particles may not contribute to (e.g., be substantially unaffected by) the oscillations provided by the u-tube 3032.

The oscillation frequency of the density measurement device 3010 may be related (e.g., directly related) to the mass (e.g., the mass of a fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the density measurement device 3010) and the mass center of the fluid mass relative to the oscillation node and anti-node. Large particles suspended in the fluid may not participate (e.g., participate entirely) in the oscillations of tube 3032. By not participating in the oscillation of tube 3032, density measurement device 3010 can provide errors in density measurements. By measuring the oscillation frequency of the fluid as it flows through the density measurement device 3010, the mass (e.g., the mass of a fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the density measurement device 3010) and the centroid of the fluid mass relative to the nodes and anti-nodes of the vibration can be determined. The mass of particles may include all particles (e.g., large particles, small particles, etc.) as the fluid flows through the density measurement device 3010.

By measuring the oscillation frequency of the fluid when it is not flowing through the density measurement device 3010, the mass (e.g., of a fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the density measurement device 3010) and the centroid of the fluid mass relative to the nodes and anti-nodes of the vibration can be determined. When fluid is not flowing through the density measurement device 3010, the mass of the particles may include small (e.g., relatively small) particles, as large particles may settle to one or more portions of the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., the bottom of the vertical oscillation tube 3032 and/or one or more legs of the density measurement device 3010). Thus, determining a density measurement of the slurry when the fluid is not flowing through the density measurement device may allow correction of the determination of the density measurement of the slurry when the fluid is flowing. Such correction may result in a more accurate determination of the density (e.g., total density) of the slurry.

Since the oscillation frequency is related to the mass of a fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the device and the centroid of the fluid mass relative to the node and anti-node of the vibration, an indication of the mass may be determined by one or more of the following. For example, the oscillation frequency change (e.g., absolute oscillation frequency) may be determined after a predetermined period of time. In another example, the percentage of oscillation frequency change may be determined after a predetermined period of time. In another example, a time to steady state or a defined minimum rate of frequency change may be determined.

The oscillation frequency (e.g., absolute value, percentage) of the homogeneous material (e.g., clay) may not change over time when the flow is stopped, while the oscillation frequency of the heterogeneous material (e.g., sand) may change over time after the flow is stopped. The homogeneous material (e.g., clay) may not fall out of suspension (e.g., may not fall out of tube 3032). Non-uniform material (e.g., sand) may fall out of suspension (e.g., may fall out of tube 3032). Since the homogeneous material (e.g., clay) may not fall out of suspension, the oscillation frequency of the homogeneous material may not change (e.g., not change significantly). Since the oscillation frequency of the homogeneous material may not change (e.g., not change significantly), the mass of the homogeneous material may not change, e.g., as it flows through tube 3032. Because the quality of the homogeneous material may not change, the density measurement of the slurry containing the homogeneous material may be consistent (e.g., accurate).

As non-uniform material (e.g., sand) may fall out of suspension, the oscillation frequency of the non-uniform material may change (e.g., vary significantly). Since the oscillation frequency of the non-uniform material may vary (e.g., vary significantly), the mass of the non-uniform material may vary. Because the quality of the heterogeneous material may vary, the density measurement of the slurry containing the heterogeneous material may not be uniform (e.g., inaccurate). By taking measurements of the fluid (e.g., flowing fluid) to achieve a basic density measurement, then stopping the flow after a predetermined time interval and measuring the density (e.g., measuring the density again), the relative amount of large particles can be determined and a corresponding correction factor or offset can be applied to the density measurement.

In one example, the base 3014 can be substantially planar and rectangular, although other polygonal and non-polygonal bases can be used. The base 3014 may include a plurality of mounting holes 3023 to facilitate mounting the base to a support surface using various fasteners. The base 3014 may define a longitudinal centerline of the density measurement device 3010 that may be aligned with the length of the oscillating tube 3032 (parallel to the parallel legs of the tube). For example, the length of the oscillation tube 3032 may extend along the center line. In one example, the centerline and flow passage within the oscillation tube 3032 may be horizontal such that any sedimentation that occurs may be perpendicular to the flow through the passage, rather than in-line with the flow. In other examples, at least a majority of the flow channels within the shaker tube may be vertically, substantially vertically oriented, and so forth, as described herein.

The spacer 3015 may be elongate in structure and space the control plate 3016 from the base 3014 so that the oscillating tube 3032 can occupy the space 3015-1 formed therebetween. Any suitable number of spacers may be used for this purpose. The space may be sized to provide clearance for movement of the oscillating tube 3032 and other accessories such as the frequency driver and pickups 3012, 3013. The planar control board 3016 may be oriented parallel to the base 3014.

As described herein, the density measurement device 3010 may include a u-shaped oscillation tube 3032. The U-shaped oscillating tube 3032 may be excited by a frequency transmitter or driver 3012 to oscillate the tube at its characteristic natural frequency. In examples, the driver 3012 may be an electromagnetic inductor, a piezoelectric actuator/element, a mechanical pulse generator, or the like. The driver 3012 is operable to generate a user-controllable and preprogrammed excitation frequency. A corresponding sensor may be provided, such as a receiver or pick-up 3013.

The density measurement device 3010 may include a support, such as support 3024. The mount 3024 may be a non-magnetic mount. The standoffs 3024 may project laterally outward from the lateral sides of the oscillation tube in opposite directions and perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the density measurement device 3010. The mount 3024 may be configured with dimensions and/or length such that the magnets are spaced far enough from the oscillating tube 3032 to prevent a static magnetic field of sufficient strength from being generated within the tube 3032 to attract and/or collect particles (e.g., iron particles) in the soil slurry.

The pick-up 3013 may be configured to detect and obtain a measurement of vibration of the oscillating tube when excited. The pick-up 3013 may be an electromagnetic, inductive, piezoelectric receiver/element, optical or other commercially available sensor capable of detecting and measuring the vibrational frequency response of the oscillating tube 3032 when energized. The impulse or vibration response motion of the excited oscillation tube 3032 may be detected by a pick-up 3013, which may measure the magnitude of the frequency response of the tube. When the tube is empty, the amplitude of the frequency response of the tube may be highest at natural/resonant or second harmonic frequencies. In another example, the phase difference between the driving frequency and the driven frequency may be used to narrow to the natural frequency.

The vibration frequency of the vibrating tube 3032 may vary with respect to the density of the slurry when excited (e.g., when intermittently filling the vibrating tube for batch density measurements or when flowing through the U-tube at a continuous and constant flow rate for continuous density measurements). The density measurement device may convert the measured oscillation frequency into a density measurement (e.g., via a digital controller), which may be programmed to compare the baseline natural frequency of the empty pipe and/or the baseline frequency of a pipe filled with a fluid of known density (e.g., water) to a pipe filled with slurry. For example, two or more points may be created by measuring the frequency at which tube 3032 is empty and measuring with water. Calibration may be used to determine the density of one or more particles (e.g., any particles) that may flow through tube 3032.

The frequency driver and pickup 3013 is operably and communicatively coupled to an electronic control circuit comprising a microprocessor-based densitometer processor or controller 3016-2 mounted on a circuit control board 3016 supported by a base 3014. The controller 3016-2 may be configured to deliver a pulse excitation frequency to the oscillating tube 3032 via the driver 3012 and to measure resulting changes in the resonant frequency and phase of the excited oscillating tube. The digital density measurement device 2022 may convert the measured oscillation frequency into a density measurement via a controller that is preprogrammed and configured with operating software or instructions to perform the measurement and density determination. The controller 3016-2 may be provided and configured with all the usual auxiliary devices and accessories, similar to any of the controllers already described herein and necessary to provide a fully functional programmable electronic controller. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, these details of the densitometer controller 3016-2 will not be described in detail.

In one example, the frequency driver 3012 and the pickup 3013 may be mounted (e.g., rigidly mounted) to the circuit board 3016. In other examples, the drive and pickup may be rigidly mounted to a separate vertical support 3031 attached to the base 3014. The drive and pickup may be mounted near and in close proximity to the permanent magnet 3025. A magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet) 3025 may generate a static magnetic field (flux lines) that may interact with the driver 3012 and/or the pickup 3013 for exciting the oscillating tube 3011 and measuring its vibration frequency when excited.

The tube mounting block 3017 may be configured to mount (e.g., rigidly mount) the oscillating tube 3032 in a cantilever manner. The oscillation tube 3032 may be a straight U-tube configuration in which all portions lie in the same plane (e.g., vertical plane, horizontal plane). The mounting block 3017 may include one or more (e.g., a pair of) through holes that may receive the ends of the oscillating tube 3032 (e.g., pass completely through). A portion of the oscillation tube 3032 may be unsupported and free to oscillate in response to an excitation frequency delivered by the driver 3012.

The inlet and outlet ends of the oscillating tube 3032 may protrude through and beyond the tube mounting block 3017. The inlet and outlet ends of the oscillation tubes may be received in corresponding open through holes or bores of the flow connection manifold 3018 associated with slurry inlets 3020 and slurry outlets 3021 defining the connection manifold 3018. The through holes 3018 of the flow connection manifold 3018 may have any suitable configuration to hold the ends of the oscillation tubes 3032 in a tight and fluid-tight manner. Suitable fluid seals, such as O-rings, elastomeric seals, or the like, may be used to achieve a leak-free coupling between the oscillator tubes and the connection manifold 3018. The connection manifold 3018 may abuttingly engage the mounting blocks 3017 to provide a continuous coupling opening therethrough for an inlet end and/or an outlet end to fully support the ends of the oscillating tubes 3032. In examples, the connection manifolds 3018 may be spaced apart, relatively close to the mounting blocks 3017, or one or more other configurations.

The mounting block 3017, flow connection manifold 3018 and base 3014 may be made of a suitable metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) of sufficient weight and thickness to act as a shock absorber such that excitation of the oscillation tube measured by the density measurement device 3010 is only indicative of the frequency response of the filled oscillation tube 3011, and is not affected by any corresponding interfering resonances that would otherwise be introduced in the base or mounting block and flow connection manifold.

The oscillating tube 3032 may have a conventional U-shape as shown, but other shapes may be used. In one example, the oscillating tube 3032 may be formed from a non-metallic material. Suitable materials may include glass, such as borosilicate glass. In other examples, a metal tube may be used, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel that is less fragile and non-magnetic. The magnet 3025 may be fixedly and rigidly supported from the oscillation tube 3032 and mounted to the oscillation tube, for example on the opposite side of the U-shaped tube near the U-shaped bend. The U-bend may be furthest from the cantilever portion of the oscillating tube adjacent the mounting block 3017 and may experience the greatest displacement/deflection when excited by the driver 3012 so that the digital meter controller 3016-2 can easily detect the vibration frequency change of the tube. Making the vibration frequency variation of the tube easy to detect may result in improved sensitivity to frequency deviation measurements of the slurry filled oscillator tube 3011 relative to the natural frequency of the tube when empty; the controller 3016-2 uses the deviation or difference in frequency to measure slurry density.

As described herein, it may be desirable to know (e.g., determine) the ratio of water to soil (e.g., the ratio of carrier fluid mass to solid particle mass) for analysis of the slurry. For example, it may be desirable to know the ratio of carrier fluid mass to solid particle mass to ensure that the proper extraction dose is used and/or that the downstream analyte concentration calculation is performed (e.g., performed correctly). The determination of the water to soil ratio may be based on one or more of a particle density measurement of one or more solids in the slurry, a density measurement of the slurry (e.g., the entire slurry), a density of a fluid in the slurry, and the like.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary particle density measurement apparatus 4000. The particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may be an apparatus 2022, as shown in fig. 2A, 2B. Particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may be described throughout this disclosure as soil particle density measurement apparatus 4000, but it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only, and that particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may determine values of one or more properties of one or more agricultural solids in a slurry. The one or more values of the one or more properties determined by the particle density measurement device 4000 may be additional or alternative values to the particle density measurement device 4000 determining the particle density measurement of the solids within the slurry. For example, the particle density measurement apparatus 4000 (or one or more other apparatuses, e.g., an apparatus similar to the particle density measurement apparatus 4000) may determine the mass of one or more solids in the slurry, the conductivity of one or more solids in the slurry, and the like. In one example, a particle density device 4000 (or one or more devices similar to particle density measurement device 4000) can be used to determine the quality of the organic matter in the slurry. In an embodiment, one or more devices separate from the particle density device 4000 may be used to determine the mass of the organic matter in the slurry.

The particle density measurement apparatus 4000 (or one or more apparatuses similar to the particle density measurement apparatus 4000) can determine and/or detect characteristics of a sample (e.g., a soil sample, such as a soil sample from a soil slurry). Such characteristics of the sample may include soil moisture, soil organics, soil temperature, seed presence, seed spacing, percentage of seed set, presence of soil residues, as described herein. Soil particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may generate soil signals via one or more sensing techniques associated with the soil and/or slurry sample. For example, soil particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may generate soil signals by optical wavelength reflection/absorption values, electromagnetic wavelength reflection/absorption values, temperature values, current values, electrical conductivity, X-ray fluorescence, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, far infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gamma ray emission, raman spectroscopy, multispectral sensing, short wave infrared, microfluidics, acoustic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction, and the like.

The particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may include one or more reflectivity sensors 4002. Each reflectivity sensor 4002 may be configured and/or arranged to measure the reflectivity of soil. For example, reverseThe emissivity sensor 4002 may be configured to measure soil (e.g., a soil sample). The reflectivity sensor 4002 may comprise a lens disposed at the bottom of the body of the soil particle density measuring device. In examples, reflectivity sensor 4002 may include one of the examples disclosed in WO2014/153157, WO2014/186810, WO2015/171908, US20180168094, WO2019070617, and/or WO 2020161566. In one embodiment, the reflectivity sensor 4002 may be available from Precision Planting LLC of terymon, ilA sensor. In an example, the reflectivity sensor 4002 can be configured to measure reflectivity in the visible range (e.g., 400 and/or 600 nanometers), near infrared range (e.g., 940 nanometers), and/or other infrared range. One or more mechanisms may be provided for cleaning one or more components of the particle density measurement apparatus 4000. For example, one or more ports (e.g., fluid ports) may be provided for cleaning one or more sensors of the particle density measurement apparatus 4000. One or more ports may provide one or more substances, such as water and/or air, to clean one or more sensors.

Soil particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may include a temperature sensor 4060. The temperature sensor 4060 may be configured and/or arranged to measure the temperature of the soil. The central portion 4062 of soil particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may include a thermally conductive material, such as copper. The central portion 4062 may include a hollow copper bar. The central portion 4062 may be in thermal communication with a thermocouple secured to the central portion. In other examples, temperature sensor 4060 may include a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared thermometer.

As described herein, the particle density measurement apparatus 4000 can determine the density of one or more solids (e.g., soil) in a slurry. Additionally, or alternatively, the particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may determine the value of the material of the solids (e.g., soil) within the slurry. For example, the particle density measurement apparatus 4000 (or an apparatus similar to the particle density measurement apparatus 4000) may determine values of organics and/or minerals within the slurry. For example, the particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may determine the mass (e.g., relative mass) of organics and/or minerals in the slurry. As known to those skilled in the art, organic matter is a property that may affect soil productivity. The particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may determine the organic matter in the slurry by measuring the reflectivity of the slurry (e.g., soil slurry) as the slurry flows through the particle density measurement apparatus 4000. The particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may measure reflectivity by a sensor (e.g., sensor 4002) using multiple wavelengths in, for example, the visible spectrum and/or the infrared spectrum. The sensor may use sensing techniques including optical wavelength reflection/absorption values, electromagnetic wavelength reflection/absorption values, temperature, current, conductivity, X-ray fluorescence, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, far infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gamma ray emission, raman spectroscopy, multispectral sensing, short-wave infrared, microfluidics, acoustic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction, and the like.

Soil particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may include a plurality of conductivity sensors 4070r. The conductivity sensor 4070r may be configured and/or arranged to measure the conductivity of the soil. In an example, the conductivity sensor 4070r can include one or more ground or ground contact devices (e.g., a disk or handle) that contact the soil and are electrically isolated from each other or from another voltage reference. The voltage potential or other voltage reference between the sensors 4070r may be measured by the soil particle density measurement device 4000. The voltage potential or another conductivity value derived from the voltage potential may be reported to a user of soil particle density measurement device 4000. Conductivity values may be associated with GPS reported locations (e.g., locations related to the sample), and/or used to generate a spatially varying map of the conductivity of the entire field. It should be appreciated that at least one of the conductivity sensors may be electrically isolated from one or more other sensors or voltage references.

Soil particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may include a plurality of electrodes 4070f. The plurality of electrodes 4070f may be operably coupled to or integrated/contained with one or more conductivity sensors 4070r. In one embodiment, the sensor 4070r is in turn operably coupled to the system controller 6820 to communicate conductivity measurements therebetween. The plurality of electrodes 4070f associated with the conductivity sensor 4070r can use one or more sensing techniques to determine the conductivity of the slurry (e.g., soil in the slurry) by direct immersion in the slurry. For example, the plurality of electrodes 4070f and/or conductivity sensors 4070r may use one or more sensing techniques including current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, frequency domain reflectometry, and the like.

One or more electrodes 4070f associated with the conductivity sensor 4070r can be spaced apart such that they span and/or at least partially surround the flow of slurry (e.g., soil slurry) to measure the density of agricultural solids in the slurry. For example, one electrode may be placed on one side of the slurry flow and another electrode may be placed on the other side of the slurry flow (i.e., slurry flow). The electrode 4070f is in direct wetting contact with the flowing slurry. The electrode 4070f can measure electrical conductivity in contact with one or more sides (e.g., either side) of the soil slurry. For example, as slurry flows through a tube such as flow conduit 2059, electrode 4070f may measure the electrical conductivity in contact with one or more sides (e.g., either side) of the soil slurry flowing through the tube. The conductivity of the slurry (e.g., the conductivity of the soil within the slurry) may be determined by the electrode 4070 f. The conductivity of the slurry (e.g., the conductivity of the soil within the slurry) can be used to determine the amount of nutrients in the slurry, e.g., for plant uptake and/or soil salinity. In another example, the conductivity of the slurry (e.g., the conductivity of the soil within the slurry) may be used to determine a particle density measurement of the slurry (e.g., the soil density within the slurry).

Data from the particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may be transmitted and/or received through the communication interface 4065. The particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may transmit data for processing data, storing data, displaying data, and the like. For example, data from particle density measurement apparatus 4000 may be transmitted to a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet), an external server (e.g., a cloud server), one or more internet of things devices, etc., for processing, storage, and/or display. In an example, the communication interface 4065 may be a wireless transmitter, but in other examples the communication may be performed via one or more known methods.

Other examples of reflective particle density measuring devices are shown as device 5000 in fig. 5A and 5B for measuring characteristics of agricultural material solids such as soil or other materials contained in an aqueous slurry. Particle density measurement device 5000 (e.g., one or more optical sensors) can dynamically measure the reflectivity of soil solids in slurry while the slurry is in a flowing state through the device. For example, the particle density measurement apparatus 5000, 5050 (e.g., sensor) may use one or more (e.g., multiple) wavelengths in the visible and infrared spectra to measure the reflectivity of the soil slurry flowing through the particle density measurement apparatus 5000, 5050 (e.g., sensor).

Soil particle density measurement device 5000 includes an elongated housing 5000a that includes one or more slurry inlets 5001 and slurry outlets 5002. In the illustrated embodiment, a single inlet and outlet are provided. The inlet and/or outlet 5001, 5002 may be configured to receive the slurry and to discharge or release the slurry from the soil particle density measurement device 5000. In an example, the inlet 5001 can receive (e.g., can only) fluid such as agricultural material slurry (e.g., soil slurry) and the outlet 5002 can discharge or release (e.g., can only) fluid such as slurry. In other examples, each of the inlet and outlet may receive and release fluid. Soil particle density measurement apparatus 5000 may include one or more O-rings 5004, for example, as shown, to seal an upper cover of housing 5000a to a lower base portion of soil particle density measurement apparatus 5000. Soil particle density measurement device 5000 may include one or more optical devices, printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), lenses, and the like. The optical sensor may be mounted to the PCB. For example, soil particle density measurement device 5000 may include one or more optics and/or PCB 5006.

Soil particle density measurement device 5000 may include one or more lenses, such as one or more sapphire lenses 5008 located near flow channel 5052a that extends linearly between slurry inlet and outlet 5001, 5002, as shown. The flow channel 5052 conveys the agricultural slurry through a reflective particle density measurement device, defining a flow path 5052 therethrough for reflectance measurement via the sensor 5006 a. A sensor is disposed adjacent the flow channel to measure the reflectance of solids in the slurry as the slurry flows through the flow path. The sapphire lens 5008 provides a liquid-tight view into the flow channel 5052a through which the sensor 5006a measures the reflectivity of solids within the slurry as the slurry flows along the flow path through the measurement device 5000. It is noted that other configurations of particle density measurement apparatus may be used.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example controller for controlling the systems and devices described herein. For example, an example controller may control the operation of one or more systems and subsystems, such as acquisition subsystem 1001, preparation subsystem 1002, analysis subsystem 1003. An example controller may control the operation of the system 2000. The controls and/or operations described in this disclosure may be performed by one or more processors, as described herein. For example, the operations described herein may be controlled and/or monitored (e.g., automatically controlled and monitored) by a processor-based control system 6800 that includes a programmable Central Processing Unit (CPU) (e.g., a processing system), such as a system controller 6820. The system controller 6820 is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application publication No. 2018/0123992 A1, PCT publication No. WO2020/012369, PCT application No. PCT/IB2021/051077 filed on 10 th 2 nd year 2021 and/or PCT application No. PCT/IB2021/052872 filed on 7 th 4 th year 2021. As further described herein, the system controller 6820 may include one or more processors, non-transitory tangible computer readable media, programmable input/output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic accessories typically associated with a fully functional processor-based controller.

Fig. 6 illustrates a control or processing system 6800 that includes a programmable processor-based Central Processing Unit (CPU) or system controller 6820 as described herein. The system controller 6820 can include one or more processors, non-transitory tangible computer readable media, programmable input/output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic accessories typically associated with a fully functional processor-based controller. The control system 6800, including the controller 6820, can be operatively and communicatively connected to one or more of the soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices described herein via suitable communication links 6752 to control the operation of these systems and devices in a fully integrated and orderly manner.

In one example, the control system 6800 including the programmable controller 6820 can be mounted on a movable self-propelled or traction machine (e.g., vehicle, tractor, combine, etc.), which can include an agricultural implement (e.g., planter, cultivator, plow, sprayer, spreader, irrigation implement, etc.). In an example, the machine to which the control system 6800 is attached may perform operations of a tractor or vehicle coupled to an implement for agricultural operations. In other examples, the controller may be part of a fixed station or facility. Whether an on-board or off-board machine, control system 6800 can include a controller 6820, a non-transitory tangible computer or machine-accessible and readable medium (e.g., memory 6805), and a network interface 6815.

The computer or machine-accessible and readable medium may include any suitable volatile memory and non-volatile memory or device that is operatively and communicatively coupled to the processor. Any suitable combination and type of volatile or non-volatile memory may be used, including, but not limited to, random Access Memory (RAM) and its various types, read Only Memory (ROM) and its various types, hard disks, solid state drives, flash memory, or other memory and devices that may be written to and/or read by a processor operatively connected to the medium. Both volatile and nonvolatile memory may be used for storing program instructions or software. In one example, a computer or machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 6805) may contain executable computer program instructions that, when executed by system controller 6820, cause the system to perform the operations or methods of the present disclosure, including measuring characteristics and testing of soil and plant samples.

While the machine-accessible and readable non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 6805) is shown to be a single medium, the term should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of control logic or instructions. The term "machine-accessible and readable non-transitory medium" may be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The term "machine-accessible and readable non-transitory medium" may be taken to include, but is not limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.

The network interface 6815 may be in communication with the soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices described herein (collectively 6803 in fig. 6) as well as other systems or devices. The network interface 6815 may be configured for wired and/or wireless two-way communications, which may include at least one of a GPS transceiver, a WLAN transceiver (e.g., wi-Fi), an infrared transceiver, a bluetooth transceiver, ethernet, near field communications, or other suitable communication interfaces and protocols for communicating with other devices and systems. The network interface 6815 may be integrated with the control system 6800, as shown in fig. 6 or elsewhere. The I/O (input/output) port 6829 (e.g., a diagnostic/on-board diagnostic (OBD) port) of the control system 6800 may enable communication with another data processing system or device (e.g., a display device, a sensor, etc.).

The programmable controller 6820 may include one or more microprocessors, processors, system-on-chip (integrated circuits), one or more microcontrollers, or a combination thereof. The processing system may include processing logic 6826 for executing software instructions of one or more programs and a communication module or unit 6828 (e.g., transmitter, transceiver) for transmitting and receiving communications. The communication unit 6828 may be integrated with the control system 6800 (e.g., the controller 6820) or separate from the processing system. In one example, the communication unit 6828 may be in operable data communication with one or more devices, systems, and/or subsystems via a diagnostic/OBD port of the I/O port 6829.

The programmable processing logic 6826 of the control system 6800 can direct operation of the system controller 6820 (e.g., including one or more processors) to process communications received from the communication unit 6828 or the network interface 6815, including agricultural data (e.g., test data, test results, GPS data, liquid application data, flow rates, etc.), as well as soil sample processing and analysis system and device 6803 data. The memory 6805 of the control system 6800 is configured for preprogrammed variables or set point/baseline values, stores collected data, and computer instructions or programs (e.g., software 6806) for execution, for controlling the operation of the controller 6820. The memory 6805 may store, for example, software components, such as test software for analyzing soil and vegetation samples to perform the operations of the present disclosure, or any other software applications or modules, images 6808 (e.g., captured crop images), alarms, maps, and the like. The system 6800 can also include an audio input/output subsystem (not shown) that can include a microphone and speaker for receiving and transmitting voice commands or for user authentication or authorization (e.g., biometrics), for example.

The system controller 6820 may be in bi-directional communication with the memory 6805 via a communication link 6830, with the network interface 6815 via a communication link 6832, with the display device 6830 and optional second display device 6825 via communication links 6834, 6835, and with the I/O port 6829 via a communication link 6836. The system controller 6820 is also in communication with soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices 6803 via one or more wired/wireless communication links.

The display devices 6825 and 6830 may provide a visual user interface for a user or operator. The display device may include a display controller. In one example, the display device 6825 may be a portable tablet device or a computing device having a touch screen that displays data (e.g., soil test results, vegetation test results, liquid application data, captured images, partial view map layers, high definition field maps applying liquid application data, planting or harvesting data or other agricultural variables or parameters, yield maps, alarms, etc.) and data generated by an agricultural data analysis software application and receives input from a user or operator for exploded view of a field area, monitoring and controlling field operations. Operations may include configuration of the machine or implement, reporting of data, machine or implement control including sensors and controllers, and storage of generated data. The display device 6830 may be a display (e.g., a display provided by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)) that displays images and data of the partial view map layer, as applied liquid application data, as planting or harvesting data, yield data, control machines (e.g., a planter, tractor, combine, sprayer, etc.), handle the machines, and monitor machines or implements (e.g., a planter, combine, sprayer, etc.) connected to the machines through sensors and controllers located on the machines or implements.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 for analyzing one or more agricultural materials. The agricultural material may be one or more of soil, manure, vegetation, water, or a combination of soil, manure, vegetation, and water (e.g., a slurry). At 702, agricultural material including solids and liquids may be received, for example, via one or more inlets. At 704, one or more agricultural materials can be mixed by a mixing device. At 706, the flow of the one or more agricultural materials can be stopped, for example, in a first state. The flow of one or more agricultural materials may be moved, for example, in a second state. The flow of one or more agricultural materials may be stopped or moved via one or more devices, such as via one or more pumps or one or more valves. At 708, a density of the one or more agricultural materials can be determined by an agricultural material density device (e.g., density measurement device 2020, 3010). The density of the one or more agricultural materials may be determined when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in the first state and/or when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moved in the second state. A comparison of the densities of the one or more agricultural materials may be determined when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in the first state and when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moved in the second state. At 710, a ratio of at least one solid to at least one liquid in one or more agricultural materials can be determined. For example, a ratio of at least one solid to at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials may be determined based on the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials that stopped in the first state and moved in the second state.

Example

The following is a non-limiting example.

Example 1-a system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: one or more inlets for receiving one or more agricultural materials, the one or more agricultural materials comprising at least one solid and at least one liquid; a chamber configured to contain the one or more agricultural materials, the chamber comprising a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; a flow control device configured to stop flow of the one or more agricultural materials in a first state or to move flow of the one or more agricultural materials in a second state; and an agricultural material density device configured to determine a density of the one or more agricultural materials when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in the first state and when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moved in the second state.

The system of example 2-example 1, further comprising a processor configured to determine a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials stopped in the first state and moved in the second state.

Example 3-the system of any one of examples 1-2, wherein the agricultural material density device comprises a u-tube device.

The system of any of examples 4-1-3, wherein the agricultural material density device comprises a u-tube device comprising a first straight portion and a second curved portion, the first straight portion oriented in a vertical direction.

The system of any of examples 5-1-4, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is one or more soil slurries.

The system of examples 6-5, further comprising a measurement subsystem comprising one or more sensors and one or more ports configured to provide a fluid to clean the one or more sensors of the measurement subsystem, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at least one of an ion selective electrode sensor or an ion selective field effect electrode sensor.

Example 7-the system of any of examples 1-6, wherein the flow control device is at least one of a pump or a valve.

Example 8-the system of any of examples 1-7, wherein additional liquid is added to the one or more agricultural materials according to the determined ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of any of examples 9-examples 1-8, wherein the processor is configured to determine a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the at least one solid, the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials, and the density of the at least 1 liquid.

Example 10-a system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: one or more inlets for receiving the one or more agricultural materials, the one or more agricultural materials including at least one solid and at least one liquid; a chamber configured to contain the one or more agricultural materials, the chamber comprising a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; a particle density device configured to determine a density of the at least one solid of the one or more agricultural materials; and an agricultural material density device configured to determine a density of the one or more agricultural materials including the at least one solid and the at least one liquid.

The system of examples 11-10, further comprising a processor configured to determine a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the at least one solid and the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of any of examples 12-10-11, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is one or more soil slurries.

The system of any of examples 13-10-12, further comprising a measurement subsystem comprising one or more sensors and one or more ports configured to provide a fluid to clean the one or more sensors of the measurement subsystem, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at least one of ion selective electrode sensors or ion selective field effect electrode sensors.

Example 14-the system of any of examples 10-13, wherein additional liquid is added to the one or more agricultural materials according to a determined ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of any of examples 15-10-14, wherein the agricultural material density device comprises a u-tube device.

The system of any of examples 16-10-15, wherein the agricultural material density device includes a u-tube device including a first straight portion and a second curved portion, the first straight portion oriented in a vertical direction.

The system of examples 17-16, wherein the agricultural material density device is configured to determine the density of the one or more agricultural materials when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in a first state and when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moved in a second state.

The system of any of examples 18-examples 10-17, wherein the processor is configured to determine a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the at least one solid, the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials, and the density of the at least one liquid.

The system of any of examples 19-examples 10-18, wherein the particle density device is configured to measure the reflectivity of the one or more agricultural materials by wavelengths in the visible spectrum and the infrared spectrum.

The system of any of examples 20-examples 10-19, wherein the particle density apparatus is configured to perform a sensing technique comprising determining at least one of an optical wavelength reflection/absorption value, an electromagnetic wavelength reflection/absorption value, a temperature value, a current flow value, a conductivity value, an X-ray fluorescence value, a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy value, a near infrared spectroscopy value, a mid infrared spectroscopy value, a far infrared spectroscopy value, an X-ray diffraction value, a gamma ray emission value, a raman spectroscopy value, a multispectral sensing value, a short wave infrared value, a microfluidics value, an acoustic resonance spectroscopy value, a fourier transform infrared spectroscopy value, a photoemission spectroscopy value, a spectrophotometric value, a thermal infrared spectroscopy value, a video spectroscopy value, or a hyperspectral imaging value, a laser diffraction value.

Example 21-a system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: one or more inlets for receiving the one or more agricultural materials, the one or more agricultural materials including at least one solid and at least one liquid; a chamber configured to contain the one or more agricultural materials, the chamber comprising a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; and a particle density device configured to determine a mass of organic matter of the at least one solid of the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of examples 22-21, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is a soil slurry.

The system of any of examples 23-21-22, wherein the particle density measurement device is configured to determine a mass of the at least one solid organic matter of the one or more agricultural materials by measuring a reflectance of the one or more agricultural materials as the one or more agricultural materials flow through a portion of the particle density measurement device.

The system of examples 24-23, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to measure the reflectivity by a sensor that uses a plurality of wavelengths in at least one of the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum.

The system of example 25-example 24, wherein the sensor uses a sensing technique including at least one of optical wavelength reflectance/absorbance, electromagnetic wavelength reflectance/absorbance, temperature, current, conductivity, X-ray fluorescence, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, far infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gamma ray emission, raman spectroscopy, multispectral sensing, short-wave infrared, microfluidics, acoustic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, or hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction.

The system of any of examples 26-21-25, wherein the particle density measurement device is configured to determine an electrical conductivity of soil within the one or more agricultural materials, the electrical conductivity of the soil being used to determine nutritional information related to the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of any of examples 27-21-26, wherein the particle density measurement device includes a plurality of electrodes configured to determine an electrical conductivity of solids within the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of examples 28-27, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is disposed on either side of the flow of one or more agricultural materials, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a side of the flow of one or more agricultural materials.

The system of examples 29-27, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to determine the conductivity of the soil within the one or more agricultural materials by one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

Example 30-a method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving the one or more agricultural materials, wherein the one or more agricultural materials comprise at least one solid and at least one liquid; receiving the one or more agricultural materials via a chamber comprising a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; stopping the flow of the one or more agricultural materials in a first state or moving the flow of the one or more agricultural materials in a second state; and determining, via an agricultural material density device, a density of the one or more agricultural materials when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in the first state and when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moved in the second state.

The method of examples 31-30, further comprising determining a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials stopped in the first state and moved in the second state.

The method of any of examples 32-examples 30-31, wherein the agricultural material density apparatus comprises a u-tube apparatus.

The method of any of examples 33-30-32, wherein the agricultural material density device comprises a u-tube device comprising a first straight portion and a second curved portion, the first straight portion oriented in a vertical direction.

The method of any of examples 34-30-33, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is one or more soil slurries.

The method of example 35-example 34, further comprising cleaning one or more sensors of the measurement subsystem, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at least one of an ion selective electrode sensor or an ion selective field effect electrode sensor.

The method of any of examples 36-examples 30-35, wherein the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped or moved by at least one of a pump or a valve.

The method of any of examples 37-examples 30-36, wherein additional liquid is added to the one or more agricultural materials according to the determined ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of any of examples 38-30 to 37, further comprising determining a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the at least one solid, the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials, and the density of the at least one liquid.

Example 39-a method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving the one or more agricultural materials, wherein the one or more agricultural materials comprise at least one solid and at least one liquid; receiving the one or more agricultural materials via a chamber, the chamber including a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; determining a density of the at least one solid of the one or more agricultural materials by a particle density device; and determining, by an agricultural material density device, a density of the one or more agricultural materials including the at least one solid and the at least one liquid.

The method of examples 40-39, further comprising determining a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the at least one solid and the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of any of examples 41-39-40, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is one or more soil slurries.

The method of examples 42-41, wherein the at least one liquid is water.

The method of any of examples 43-39 to 42, further comprising adding a liquid to the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of any of examples 44-39 to 43, wherein the agricultural material density apparatus comprises a u-tube apparatus.

The method of any of examples 45-39 to 44, wherein the agricultural material density apparatus comprises a u-tube apparatus comprising a first straight portion and a second curved portion, the first straight portion oriented in a vertical direction.

The method of examples 46-45, further comprising measuring a density of the one or more agricultural materials when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in the first state and when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moved in the second state.

The method of any of examples 47-39-46, further comprising determining a ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of the at least one solid, the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials, and the density of the at least one liquid.

The method of any of examples 48-39 to 47, further comprising measuring, by the particle density device, the reflectivity of the one or more agricultural materials by wavelengths in the visible spectrum and the infrared spectrum.

Example 49-the method of any one of examples 39-48, wherein the particle density apparatus performs a sensing technique comprising determining at least one of an optical wavelength reflection/absorption value, an electromagnetic wavelength reflection/absorption value, a temperature value, a current value, a conductivity value, an X-ray fluorescence value, a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy value, a near infrared spectroscopy value, a mid infrared spectroscopy value, a far infrared spectroscopy value, an X-ray diffraction value, a gamma ray emission value, a raman spectroscopy value, a multispectral sensing value, a short-wave infrared value, a microfluidic value, an acoustic resonance spectroscopy value, a fourier transform infrared spectroscopy value, a photoemission spectroscopy value, a spectrophotometric value, a thermal infrared spectroscopy value, a video spectroscopy value, or a hyperspectral imaging value, a laser diffraction value.

Example 50-a method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving the one or more agricultural materials, wherein the one or more agricultural materials comprise at least one solid and at least one liquid; receiving the one or more agricultural materials via a chamber, the chamber including a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; and determining, by the particle density device, a mass of organic matter of the at least one solid of the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of example 51-example 50, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is a soil slurry.

The method of any of examples 52-50 to 51, further comprising determining, by a particle density measurement device, a mass of the organic matter of the at least one solid of the at least one agricultural material by measuring a reflectance of the one or more agricultural materials as the one or more agricultural materials flow through a portion of the particle density measurement device.

The method of examples 53-52, further comprising measuring, by the particle density measurement device, the reflectivity by the sensor using a plurality of wavelengths in at least one of the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum.

The method of example 54-example 53, wherein the sensor uses a sensing technique including at least one of optical wavelength reflectance/absorbance, electromagnetic wavelength reflectance/absorbance, temperature, current, conductivity, X-ray fluorescence, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, far infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gamma ray emission, raman spectroscopy, multispectral sensing, short-wave infrared, microfluidics, acoustic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, or hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction.

The method of any of examples 55-50-54, further comprising determining, by the particle density measurement device, an electrical conductivity of soil within the one or more agricultural materials, the electrical conductivity of the soil being used to determine nutritional information related to the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of any of examples 56-examples 50-55, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus comprises a plurality of electrodes configured to determine the conductivity of solids within the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of example 57-example 56, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is placed on either side of the flow of one or more agricultural materials, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a side of the flow of one or more agricultural materials.

The method of example 58-example 56, further comprising determining, by the particle density measurement device, an electrical conductivity of soil within the one or more agricultural materials by one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

Example 59-a system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: one or more inlets for receiving the one or more agricultural materials, the one or more agricultural materials including at least one solid and at least one liquid; a chamber configured to contain the one or more agricultural materials, the chamber comprising a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; and a measurement device configured to determine a conductivity of soil within the one or more agricultural materials, the conductivity of the soil being used to determine nutritional information related to the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of example 60-example 59, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is a soil slurry.

The system of example 61-example 59 or 60, wherein the particle density measurement device comprises a plurality of electrodes configured to determine electrical conductivity of solids within the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of examples 62-61, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is disposed on either side of the flow of the one or more agricultural materials, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a side of the flow of the one or more agricultural materials.

The system of examples 63-61, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to determine the conductivity of the soil within the one or more agricultural materials by one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

Example 64-a method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving the one or more agricultural materials, wherein the one or more agricultural materials comprise at least one solid and at least one liquid; receiving the one or more agricultural materials via a chamber, the chamber including a mixing device configured to mix the one or more agricultural materials; and determining, by the particle density device, a mass of organic matter of the at least one solid of the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of examples 65-64, wherein the one or more agricultural materials is a soil slurry.

Example 66-the method of example 64 or 65, wherein the particle density measurement device comprises a plurality of electrodes configured to determine the conductivity of the solids within the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of examples 67-66, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is positioned on either side of the flow of one or more agricultural materials, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a side of the flow of one or more agricultural materials.

The method of example 68-example 66, further comprising determining, by the particle density measurement device, an electrical conductivity of soil within the one or more agricultural materials by one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

Additional examples-determination of slurry properties by conductivity measurements

A system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: a chamber for receiving agricultural material, the agricultural material comprising a solid; the chamber includes a mixing device configured to mix the solids with a liquid to form a slurry; and a measurement device configured to measure the conductivity of solids within the slurry, the conductivity of the solids being used to determine a characteristic related to the solids in the slurry.

2A. The system of example 1A, wherein the measurement device is a particle density measurement device configured to measure the density of solids in the slurry by conductivity measurement.

The system of example 2A, wherein the solid is a soil sample and the liquid is water, which defines a soil slurry.

The system of example 2A or 3A, wherein the measurement device includes a conductivity sensor including a plurality of electrodes that are submersible in the slurry and configured to determine a conductivity of soil within the slurry.

The system of example 3A, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is disposed in a spaced apart relationship on each of opposite sides of the slurry stream within the flow conduit, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a respective side of the slurry stream.

The system of example 5A, wherein the flow conduit and chamber are integral fluid components of a closed slurry recirculation flow loop comprising a recirculation pump configured to circulate slurry through the flow conduit and chamber.

The system of any of examples 2-6A, wherein the measurement device is configured to determine the conductivity of the soil within the slurry by one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

8A. The system of example 1A, wherein the characteristics associated with solids in the slurry are useful in agriculture.

The system of example 8A, wherein the characteristic is soil nutrient information related to solids of the agricultural material.

The system of any of examples 1-9A, further comprising a system controller operatively coupled to the measurement device, the system controller configured to determine a characteristic related to solids within the slurry.

A method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving agricultural material including solids and liquids in a chamber of a mixing device; mixing the solid and the liquid to form a slurry; determining the conductivity of the soil in the slurry by a measuring device; and determining a characteristic related to the solids in the slurry based on the measured conductivity of the soil in the slurry.

The method of example 11A, wherein the solid is a soil sample and the liquid is water, which defines a soil slurry.

Example 12A. The method of example 12A, wherein the receiving step is preceded by the step of collecting soil samples from the farmland.

The method of any of examples 11-13A, wherein the measurement device is a particle density measurement device configured to measure a density of solids in the slurry by conductivity measurement.

The method of any of examples 11-14A, wherein the measurement device comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes that are submersible in the slurry and configured to determine a conductivity of soil in the slurry.

The method of example 15A, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is disposed in a spaced relationship on each of opposite sides of the slurry stream within the flow conduit, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a respective side of the slurry stream.

The method of example 16A, wherein the flow conduit and chamber are integral fluid components of a closed slurry recirculation flow loop comprising a recirculation pump configured to circulate slurry through the flow conduit and chamber.

The method of any of examples 11-17A, further comprising determining, via the measurement device, a conductivity of the soil within the slurry via one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

The method of example 11A, wherein the characteristic is soil nutrient information related to solids of the agricultural material.

The method of any of examples 1-9A, further comprising a system controller performing the step of determining a characteristic related to solids in the slurry based on the measured conductivity of the soil in the slurry.

Other examples-agricultural slurry density measurement

A system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: a chamber for receiving agricultural material, the agricultural material comprising a solid; the chamber includes a mixing device configured to mix the solids with a liquid to form a slurry; a flow control device configured to stop a flow of slurry having solids in a first state or to move a flow of slurry in a second state; and an agricultural material density measurement device configured to determine a density of solids within the slurry when the flow of slurry is stopped in the first state and when the flow of slurry is moved in the second state.

The system of example 1B, further comprising a processor configured to determine a ratio of solids to liquid in the slurry based on the determined density of solids when the slurry is stopped in the first state and moved in the second state.

The system of any one of examples 1B to 2B, wherein the agricultural material density measurement device comprises a U-tube device.

The system of example 3B, wherein the U-shaped tube apparatus includes a first straight portion and a second curved portion fluidly coupled to the first straight portion, the first straight portion oriented in a vertical direction.

The system of any one of examples 1B to 4B, wherein the solid of agricultural material is soil forming a soil slurry.

The system of example 5B, further comprising a measurement subsystem comprising one or more sensors and one or more ports configured to provide a fluid to clean the one or more sensors of the measurement subsystem, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at least one of an ion selective electrode sensor or an ion selective field effect electrode sensor.

The system of any one of examples 1B-6B, wherein the flow control device is at least one of a pump or a valve.

The system of any one of examples 2B to 7B, wherein an additional amount of liquid is added to the one or more agricultural materials according to a determined ratio of solids to liquid in the slurry.

The system of any one of examples 2B-8B, wherein the processor is configured to determine a ratio of solids to liquid in the one or more agricultural materials based on the determined density of solids and a density of liquid comprising the slurry.

A method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving agricultural material including solids and liquids in a chamber of a mixing device; mixing the solids and liquid to form a slurry; stopping the flow of slurry in a first state or moving the flowing slurry in a second state; and determining, by the agricultural material density measurement device, the density of solids within the slurry when the flow of slurry is stopped in the first state and when the flow of slurry is moved in the second state.

The method of example 10B, further comprising determining a ratio of solids to liquid in the slurry based on the determined density of solids when the slurry is stopped in the first state and moving in the second state.

The method of any one of examples 10B to 11B, wherein the agricultural material density measurement device comprises a U-tube device.

The method of example 12B, wherein the U-shaped tube apparatus includes a first straight portion and a second curved portion fluidly coupled to the first straight portion, the first straight portion oriented in a vertical direction.

The system of any one of examples 10B to 13B, wherein the solid of agricultural material is soil forming a soil slurry.

The method of example 14B, further comprising cleaning one or more sensors of the measurement subsystem, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at least one of an ion selective electrode sensor or an ion selective field effect electrode sensor.

The method of any of examples 10B to 15B, wherein the flow of slurry is stopped or moved by at least one of a pump or a valve.

The method of any one of examples 11B-16B, wherein additional liquid is added to the slurry according to the determined ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials.

The method of any of examples 11B to 17B, further comprising determining a ratio of solids to liquid in the slurry based on the determined density of solids and the density of the at least one liquid.

The method of example 18B, further comprising a programmable processor that determines a ratio of solids to liquid in the slurry.

20B the method of example 19B, wherein the agricultural material density measurement device is operatively coupled to the processor.

Other examples-slurry solids reflectance measurement

A system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: a chamber for receiving agricultural material, the agricultural material comprising a solid; the chamber includes a mixing device configured to mix the solids with a liquid to form a slurry; and a particle density measurement device configured to determine a characteristic related to the solids within the slurry by measuring the reflectance of the solids as the slurry flows through a portion of the particle density measurement device.

The system of example 1C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to determine a mass of organic matter of the solids in the slurry.

Example 1C or 2C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to determine a value of an organic matter in the slurry.

4℃ The system of example 3C, wherein the particle density measurement device generates a signal proportional to the organic content of the solids in the slurry.

The system of example 4C, wherein the signal is received by a system controller configured to determine a density of solids in the slurry based on the content of organics.

The system of any one of examples 1C-5C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to determine a value of a mineral in the slurry.

The system of any of examples 1C-6C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to measure the reflectivity by a sensor that uses a plurality of wavelengths in at least one of the visible spectrum and the infrared spectrum.

The system of example 7C, wherein the sensor uses a sensing technique comprising at least one of optical wavelength reflection/absorption values, electromagnetic wavelength reflection/absorption values, temperature, current, conductivity, X-ray fluorescence, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, far infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gamma ray emission, raman spectroscopy, multispectral sensing, short-wave infrared, microfluidics, acoustic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction.

The system of example 7C or 8C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and an elongated flow channel extending therebetween, the elongated flow channel defining a flow path for slurry through the apparatus.

The system of example 9C, wherein a sensor is disposed adjacent the flow channel to measure the reflectance of solids in the slurry as the slurry flows through the flow path.

The system of example 10C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus comprises a sapphire lens that observes a flow channel through which the sensor measures the reflectance of the solid as the slurry flows along the flow path.

A method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving agricultural material including solids and liquids in a chamber of a mixing device; mixing the solids and liquid to form a slurry; flowing the slurry through a particle density measurement device; and determining a characteristic associated with the solids in the slurry by measuring the reflectance of the solids as the slurry flows through the particle density measurement device.

The method of example 11C, wherein the solid is a soil sample and the liquid is water, defining a soil slurry.

The method of example 12C, wherein the receiving step is preceded by the step of collecting a soil sample from the agricultural field, the mass of the organic matter of the at least one solid of the one or more agricultural materials being determined by a particle density device.

The method of any of examples 12C-14C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to determine a mass of organic matter of solids in the slurry.

The method of any of examples 12C-15C, wherein the particle density measurement apparatus is configured to determine a value of organics within the slurry.

The method of any of examples 12C-16C, further comprising measuring, by the particle density measurement device, reflectivity by a sensor using a plurality of wavelengths in at least one of the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum.

The method of example 17C, wherein the sensor uses a sensing technique comprising at least one of optical wavelength reflectance/absorbance, electromagnetic wavelength reflectance/absorbance, temperature, current, conductivity, X-ray fluorescence, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, far infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gamma ray emission, raman spectroscopy, multispectral sensing, short-wave infrared, microfluidics, acoustic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, or hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction.

The system of example 1D, wherein the measurement device is a particle density measurement device configured to measure the density of solids in the slurry by conductivity measurement.

The system of example 2D, wherein the solid is a soil sample and the liquid is water, which defines a soil slurry.

The system of example 2D or 3D, wherein the measurement device includes a conductivity sensor including a plurality of electrodes that are submersible in the slurry and configured to determine a conductivity of soil within the slurry.

The system of example 3D, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is disposed in a spaced relationship on each of opposite sides of the slurry stream within the flow conduit, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a respective side of the slurry stream.

The system of example 5D, wherein the flow conduit and chamber are integral fluid components of a closed slurry recirculation flow loop comprising a recirculation pump configured to circulate slurry through the flow conduit and chamber.

The system of any of examples 2D-6D, wherein the measurement device is configured to determine the conductivity of the soil within the slurry by one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

The system of example 1D, wherein the characteristics related to solids in the slurry are useful in agriculture.

The system of example 8D, wherein the characteristic is soil nutrient information related to solids of the agricultural material.

The system of any of examples 1D-9D, further comprising a system controller operatively coupled to the measurement device, the system controller configured to determine a characteristic related to solids within the slurry.

A method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising: receiving agricultural material including solids and liquids in a chamber of a mixing device; mixing the solids and liquid to form a slurry; determining the conductivity of the soil in the slurry by a measuring device; and determining a characteristic related to the solids in the slurry based on the measured conductivity of the solids in the slurry.

The method of example 11D, wherein the solid is a soil sample and the liquid is water, which defines a soil slurry.

Example 12D. The method of example 12D, wherein the receiving step is preceded by the step of collecting soil samples from the field.

The method of any of examples 11D-13D, wherein the measurement device is a particle density measurement device configured to measure a density of solids in the slurry by conductivity measurement.

The method of any of examples 11D-14D, wherein the measurement device comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes that are submersible in the slurry and configured to determine a conductivity of soil within the slurry.

The method of example 15D, wherein at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is disposed in a spaced relationship on each of opposite sides of the slurry stream within a flow conduit, each electrode of the at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with a respective side of the slurry stream.

The method of example 16D, wherein the flow conduit and chamber are integral fluid components of a closed slurry recirculation flow loop comprising a recirculation pump configured to circulate slurry through the flow conduit and chamber.

The method of any of examples 11D-17D, further comprising determining, via the measurement device, a conductivity of the soil within the slurry via one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

The method of example 11D, wherein the characteristic is soil nutrient information related to solids of the agricultural material.

The method of any of examples 1D-9D, further comprising a system controller performing the step of determining a characteristic related to solids in the slurry based on the measured conductivity of the soil in the slurry.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising:

a chamber for receiving agricultural material, the agricultural material comprising a solid;

the chamber includes a mixing device configured to mix the solids with a liquid to form a slurry; and

a measurement device configured to measure the conductivity of solids within the slurry, the conductivity of the solids being used to determine a characteristic related to the solids in the slurry.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the measurement device is a particle density measurement device configured to measure the density of solids in the slurry by conductivity measurement.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the solid is a soil sample and the liquid is water defining a soil slurry.

4. A system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the measurement device comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes that are submersible in the slurry and configured to determine the conductivity of the soil within the slurry.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes is placed in a spaced relationship on each of opposite sides of the slurry stream within the flow conduit, each of the at least one of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with the respective sides of the slurry stream.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the flow conduit and chamber are integral fluid components of a closed slurry recirculation flow loop comprising a recirculation pump configured to circulate slurry through the flow conduit and chamber.

7. The system of any of claims 2-6, wherein the measurement device is configured to determine the conductivity of the soil within the slurry by one or more sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic associated with solids in the slurry is useful in agriculture.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the characteristic is soil nutrient information related to solids of agricultural material.

10. The system of any of claims 1-9, further comprising a system controller operatively coupled to the measurement device, the system controller configured to determine a characteristic related to solids within the slurry.

11. A method for analyzing one or more agricultural materials, comprising:

Receiving agricultural material including solids and liquids in a chamber of a mixing device;

mixing the solids and liquid to form a slurry;

determining the conductivity of the soil in the slurry by a measuring device; and

a characteristic related to the solids in the slurry is determined based on the measured conductivity of the solids in the slurry.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the solid is a soil sample and the liquid is water, which defines a soil slurry.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the receiving step is preceded by the step of collecting soil samples from the farmland.

14. The method of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the measurement device is a particle density measurement device configured to measure the density of solids in the slurry by conductivity measurement.

15. The method of any of claims 11-14, wherein the measurement device comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes that are submersible in the slurry and configured to determine the conductivity of soil within the slurry.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of electrodes is placed in a spaced relationship within the flow conduit on each of opposite sides of the slurry stream, each of the at least one of the plurality of electrodes configured to measure electrical conductivity in contact with the respective side of the slurry stream.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the flow conduit and chamber are integral fluid components of a closed slurry recirculation flow loop comprising a recirculation pump configured to circulate slurry through the flow conduit and chamber.

18. The method of any of claims 11-17, further comprising determining, via the measurement device, a conductivity of soil within the slurry via one or more sensing techniques, the sensing techniques including at least one of current, conductivity, electromagnetic induction, resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, or frequency domain reflectometry.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the characteristic is soil nutrient information related to solids of agricultural material.

20. The method of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a system controller that performs the step of determining a characteristic related to solids in the slurry from the measured conductivity of the soil in the slurry.