New wireless soil sensors developed

A team of researchers is working on the development of wireless soil sensors that could change the way in which data on soil is collected.

If the new technology is found by its developers at Iowa State University (ISU) to be cost-effective and functional, the units could be available by late 2009.

Detecting aspects such as soil moisture, temperature and nutrient content, the monitoring devices would be of use to scientists and farmers alike and are set to be tested this autumn.

Stuart Birrell, one of the researchers involved in the project, said: "These sensors would provide very high resolution data for producers and researchers. They would give us another data layer to explain differences in yield and help us make management decisions."

Iowa State University The institution's website states that it currently has 26,000 students and 500 student organisations.