Self-powered and fully biodegradable electronic system for measuring local parameters and releasing agrochemicals in agricultural fields

Wireless electronic systems (nodes) used in precision agriculture (PA) can bring solutions to a grand challenge that Europe is facing: producing more/better food despite shrinking agricultural zones while also limiting pollution by reducing the amount of agrochemicals used.

Nevertheless, severe constraints apply to conventional nodes that must be deployed in vast agricultural fields: i) they are powered by batteries that must be replaced or recharged; ii) they cannot be left in the soil because of the toxic metals/materials they intrinsically contain.

With the aim to set new standards for nodes used in PA, the GREAT-4PA project proposes to redefine completely the core electronic components of game-changing nodes having unique and unprecedented attributes.

Specifically, this proposal focuses on developing green autonomous nodes; namely self-powered biodegradable/compostable nodes having the ability to physically disappear after a period of stable operation so they could be left in the soil after use with zero environmental impact.

Further, the GREAT-4PA project proposes to go beyond the usual sensing capabilities of nodes by adding actuation functionalities to create green smart transducers which could deliver agrochemicals locally (e.g., near the plant roots).

The project involves two of the most prominent figures in the field of paper-based microfluidic fuel cells and biodegradable batteries (Dr. Neus Sabaté and Dr. Juan Pablo Esquivel, IMBCNM-CSIC, Spain).

To maximise the outcomes and potential impact of the proposed research, two additional actions are planned: i) a partnership with the Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA); ii) a secondment within Fuelium, a Spanish company specialised in the development and commercialization of paper-based batteries.

The completion of such a multidisciplinary project could open up research avenues.

It will also lay the foundation for long-term collaborative efforts with partner organisations in academia and industry.