Real-time monitoring of urea slow release through fiber Bragg grating sensors

• Main Authors: Rostami, A., Soleimani, H., Samavati, Z., Khodapanah, N., Sikiru, S., Falalu Hamza, M., Khosravi, V.
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier B.V. 2023
• Online Access: http://scholars.utp.edu.my/id/eprint/37289/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85168554940&doi=10.1016%2fj.measurement.2023.113464&partnerID=40&md5=f2b5b588b85198975f9732dffc533200

This research aimed at using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for monitoring the slow release of urea. Urea granules were coated with ethyl cellulose for controlled-nitrogen release. The FBGs were fabricated using a 10 mm single-mode glass fiber optic, and silver nanoparticle coating was deposited on the partially removed cladding of the FBG using the electroless technique. The silver-coated FBGs at three operating wavelengths (FBG1: 1534 nm, FBG2: 1559 nm, and FBG3: 1565 nm) were used to monitor the slow release of urea in water and soil. The Bragg wavelength shift of FBG 1, 2, and 3 to the controlled-release rate in water was 0.028, 0.12, and 0.20 nm, respectively. In soil, the coated fertilizer responded to the FBG 1, 2, and 3 showing wavelength shifts of 0.028, 0.10, and 0.12 nm, respectively. This study demonstrates the potential of FBG sensors in agricultural applications. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd