Gas Sensors: The "Olfactory Center" of Smart Agriculture

Modern agriculture is rapidly transitioning toward intelligence, and gas sensors, as core environmental sensing elements, play an indispensable role as the "olfactory center." They capture subtle changes in air composition in real time, providing precise data for crop growth, livestock health, storage safety, and waste management. These data enable farmers and enterprises to implement fine-grained management, significantly improving efficiency and reducing risks.

Nexisense, leveraging extensive technical expertise, has developed a range of gas sensors for agricultural scenarios. These sensors cover key gases such as ammonia (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and methane (CH₄), combining anti-interference design and high stability to help agricultural operators tackle complex environments and shift from experience-driven to data-driven management.

Core Application Scenarios

Livestock Environment Monitoring

Harmful gas accumulation in livestock houses is a major threat to animal health and production efficiency. Ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) mainly originate from manure decomposition, while carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) are linked to respiration and fermentation. High concentrations cause respiratory diseases, reduced feed conversion, and slower growth.

Nexisense's electrochemical NH₃ and H₂S sensors are optimized for high humidity and dusty environments, featuring strong anti-interference capabilities and long service life. Once installed in environmental monitoring nodes, the system collects data in real time and automatically controls fans, wet curtains, or spraying devices when concentrations exceed thresholds. This ensures animal welfare and enhances overall farming efficiency.

Greenhouse Gas Fertilization and Environmental Control

Greenhouse crops are highly sensitive to CO₂ levels. Suitable concentrations (usually 800–1200 ppm) significantly enhance photosynthesis, yield, and quality. However, natural conditions often result in insufficient CO₂, especially in winter sealed environments.

Nexisense's NDIR infrared CO₂ sensor is known for high precision and long-term stability, requiring minimal calibration. Integrated into greenhouse control systems, it automatically activates CO₂ generators or ventilation when levels drop below thresholds, avoiding over-fertilization, waste, and acidification. Precise control directly translates into higher crop quality and economic returns.

Grain Storage and Safety

Grain produces CO₂ during respiration. Abnormal increases can indicate mold or pests. Phosphine (PH₃) is commonly used for fumigation, but improper control poses safety risks.

Nexisense provides dedicated CO₂ and PH₃ sensors with linear output and precise detection. Installed in grain piles or key warehouse points, they provide early mold warnings and real-time PH₃ monitoring during fumigation, ensuring operational safety and optimizing fumigation effectiveness, reducing grain losses.

Soil Respiration and Ecological Research

Farmland ecosystems are important sources and sinks of greenhouse gases. Monitoring soil-emitted CO₂, CH₄, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) helps assess carbon emissions, optimize farming methods, and support carbon sequestration research.

Nexisense's high-precision multi-gas modules are compact and portable, suitable for long-term field deployment or mobile observation. These data support precision agriculture decision-making and national carbon neutrality goals.

Agricultural Waste Treatment

Biogas and composting are key elements of the agricultural circular economy. In anaerobic fermentation, CH₄ concentration directly affects gas production efficiency; during composting, H₂S must be controlled to reduce environmental pollution.

Nexisense's catalytic combustion CH₄ sensor is cost-effective and suitable for high-concentration biogas monitoring, while H₂S sensors help evaluate fermentation status, enabling efficient and clean waste conversion.

Value of Nexisense Agricultural Solutions

Advanced gas sensors bring multidimensional improvements to agricultural production:

• Improved quality and yield: optimizing growth environment to boost crop yield and livestock health.

• Reduced losses: early warnings of mold, leaks, and other risks, lowering economic and safety hazards.

• Resource savings: demand-based ventilation and fertilization reduce energy and fertilizer consumption.

• Green and sustainable: control greenhouse gases and odors, supporting sustainable agriculture.

These benefits have been verified in multiple projects, helping users transition from passive response to proactive management.

Why Choose Nexisense

Nexisense has extensive experience in gas sensing, with products covering major agricultural gases. Sensors are designed for durability and easy integration, supporting multiple output formats and IoT connectivity. Full-chain support from selection to system integration is provided, with strong customization capabilities for specific needs like soil probes or drone-mounted devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which gases do sensors monitor in livestock farming? Mainly ammonia (NH₃), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and methane (CH₄), which directly affect animal health and productivity.

2. Advantages of NDIR CO₂ sensors over other types? High precision, strong stability, water vapor resistance, minimal calibration, ideal for long-term greenhouse use.

3. How to prevent sensor failure in high humidity and dusty environments? Nexisense agricultural sensors use protective designs and anti-interference coatings for reliability in harsh conditions.

4. What does abnormal CO₂ in grain storage indicate? Accelerated grain respiration, possible mold or pests; immediate inspection and ventilation needed.

5. Role of PH₃ sensors in fumigation? Real-time monitoring of PH₃ concentration to ensure fumigation effectiveness and prevent poisoning risks.

6. How does soil gas monitoring help carbon reduction? Quantifying CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O fluxes provides data to optimize farming and reduce agricultural carbon footprint.

7. How do CH₄ sensors optimize biogas production? Monitoring concentration changes allows fermentation adjustments to improve yield and stability.

8. Typical lifespan of Nexisense sensors? 3–5 years depending on environment and usage; regular maintenance extends life.

9. Do sensors support IoT integration? Yes, with 4–20 mA, RS485, Modbus, etc., for smart agriculture platforms.

10. How to choose suitable sensors for a farm? Consult Nexisense technical support based on gases, conditions, and budget for personalized recommendations.

Summary

Gas sensors are quietly transforming agriculture. From detecting hazards to driving decisions, they have become indispensable in smart agriculture. Nexisense provides reliable, efficient sensor solutions to achieve higher yield, safer, and greener production. In the era of data empowerment, choosing the right "olfactory center" is an investment in the future of agriculture.