Smart Soil Probe

A solar-powered soil sensor will soon be available for home gardeners that will continuously monitor the condition of their garden and let them know when it needs attention. The product is specifically designed for gardens and small farms to optimize conditions for people to grow their own healthy, fresh produce.

Dubbed Soil IQ, the device is paired with an app that logs a variety of soil parameters, including nutrient levels, pH, temperature, moisture and light. It will even send an SMS or Twitter alert when the garden needs tending, and works equally well with soil-based and hydroponic gardening techniques.

Soil IQ was originally developed to analyze the effectiveness of a system known as Climate Kiln – an oven that uses biomass to produce a substance called biochar. When mixed into the soil, biochar has been shown to improve water infiltration, balance acidity, and improve the activity of beneficial microbes that produce nutrients. In addition to the product and app (which will sell for around $50), the company plans to generate revenue by licensing the data they gather on what grows best and in which locations.