My name is Emiler Franco and I’m developing a home project to automate the composting process using sensors that monitor and maintain optimal conditions.
I have researched some products and would like to receive information from those of you who have more experience in this process, which models are the most suitable, since there are several on the market and which can adapt to the requirements of this home project at an affordable initial cost. The sensors I’m looking for are:
*Ph Sensor: Ideally compatible with humid environments and resistant to corrosion.
*Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensor: Sensors that can withstand composting conditions, with the ability to take consistent readings at different humidity levels and temperatures.
*Oxygen Sensor (O₂)
*Gas Sensor (CO₂, NH₃, H₂S): I am looking for an option capable of measuring various gases related to microbial activity and chemical balance in compost.
*Electrical conductivity (nutrient) sensor: to measure nutrient availability and salinity, thus optimizing the carbon and nitrogen balance.
If anyone can help me with recommendations for integration and mounting that would also be a great help. I plan on the system being compact, so any advice on compatibility and optimization would be greatly appreciated.
This is a huge undertaking…start by searching the product category types on our site www.sparkfun.com and peruse the features…when you see a decent candidate you can click on its associated hookup guide to learn how each operates in practice
This might be a good starting point as the main logger/controller; note the list of sensors that it can auto-detect/log
You’ve listed enough measurements to keep a laboratory busy. Automation of a process is often thought of as an improvement over its manual but prerequisite equivalent. How are you assessing compost now and where can you find room for improvement?
You’re probably best off focusing on making a lab that will perform these measurements so that you have some baseline values. Then, introduce automated processes or experimental sensors individually into your controlled environment. For example, you may find that sensors which accurately measure temperature in the chamber head space above the compost mass unsuitable for use within the mass. Or some gas sensor fails in the presence of garbage juice. Get that figured out before moving to automating it. We sometimes call these pilot labs or pilot plants.
There’s probably some similarities between OP’s compost and very well established industries like waste water treatment and paper manufacturing, perhaps brewing or other food products. Sensors and equipment sealing, etc will be similarly mature so some research there might turn up some leads.