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Introduction Fast screening of soil parameters and the status of soil microbiota helps obtain knowledge on soil status and quality. A bacterial-based biosensor, incorporating a specifically designed carrier matrix and RFID reporter technology, can serve as a platform for such screening. The collected data can support downstream decisions on how to treat the soil or which agricultural practice to implement at a certain time point in the growth period or season. Methodologies The biosensoric platform can be tailor-made to screen different parameters, such as soil water status, degradation potential of organic matter and nitrogen fixation. By implementing different types of matrices and individual microorganisms or combinations of them, the platform can harness microbial metabolism to obtain information on the chemical or biological status of the soil. Output The main output will be a modular biosensoric platform for real-time soil quality monitoring, using microbial-based sensors embedded in specialized matrices with RFID technology. The deliverable will be a prototype, developed as open as possible. Impact The platform will enable fast, targeted screening of soil parameters and microbiota status. It can provide real-time, site-specific insights into soil health and support precise and timely agricultural interventions, such as irrigation, fertilization and soil management. If combined with automated agricultural practices, soil quality management can become more accurate and responsive than standard periodically applied practices. What I can offer Expertise in microbial-based biosensors, carrier matrices, RFID reporter technology and the use of microbial metabolism for assessing chemical and biological soil status. The Use Case can also offer a prototype concept for rapid soil quality monitoring. What I need Support is needed for prototype development, testing and validation, including sensor detection accuracy, parameter coverage and data output rate. Collaboration is also needed with agricultural users and technology partners to connect the platform with irrigation, mulching, fertilization and other automated soil management practices.
Source: Annual AgData Use Case Summit 2026 booklet.