Preliminary feasibility study of an architecture for a compact optical system for soil nitrate detection

The project involves designing a preliminary architecture for a compact system to detect nitrates in soil. The preliminary architecture must integrate UV sources, filters, detectors, and a fiber-optic probe within a compact optomechanical system that demonstrates technical, manufacturing, operational, and economic feasibility. Real-time nitrate measurement helps reduce groundwater pollution and optimize crop yields.

For producers, the realization of this project represents a solution that allows them to improve productivity (input and cost ratio versus yield) and reduce labor needs through automation provided by the Hortau system, resulting in greater profitability and quality of life.

The social benefits are mainly linked to environmental improvements and enhanced quality of life for producers. The economic benefits come from manufacturing activities and the supply of parts, which are sourced primarily from Canadian suppliers. All of Hortau’s probes and key technological devices are manufactured or assembled at its headquarters in Lévis, Quebec.