Recent developments in agricultural technology have set the stage for transformative changes in soil management practices. The Soil CRC has officially transferred the intellectual property rights of the innovative QUOLL e-nose to the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) at the University of Tasmania. This significant milestone paves the way for further engineering, testing, and industry collaboration.

The QUOLL e-nose is designed to provide a swift, cost-effective method for understanding soil biological activity. By measuring biological processes directly in the soil, this technology equips farmers and researchers with tools to monitor soil health without the need for laboratory analysis.

Users can deploy the device in their fields for a few days, after which it delivers insights into how soil biology responds to management practices and environmental conditions. Tayla Field, Regional Development Officer for VegNET Tasmania, emphasizes the potential of this emerging technology: “As the technology develops, it will deepen our understanding of soil biology, thus enhancing on-farm management.”

Streamlining Soil Biology Assessment

The QUOLL e-nose aims to simplify soil biology assessments for growers who typically lack straightforward diagnostic tools. Dr. Michael Crawford, CEO of Soil CRC, is optimistic about the technology’s future, stating, “With the collaboration of the TIA team and strong commercial partners, we expect this device to transition from the research phase to active use on farms.”

Next Steps Towards Commercialization

Professor Caroline Mohammed, head of the Agricultural Systems Centre at TIA, shared that a comprehensive business plan has been developed to facilitate the ongoing advancement and future commercialization of the e-nose. The TIA AgTech Innovation Studio is providing engineering and research support, while UTAS InVent focuses on translating research findings and engaging with industry.

“Our goal is to make this user-friendly device widely accessible to farmers, enabling them to monitor various sections of their farms and comprehend how their management practices affect soil functioning,” explained Prof. Mohammed.

The Development Journey

The Soil CRC has been instrumental in the development of the QUOLL e-nose since 2018 through two research projects. Led by Dr. Shane Powell, the team co-designed a prototype with grower groups, initially testing it on a single farm to validate its concept.

“Our device has reached Technology Readiness Level 5, meaning we’ve demonstrated the prototype’s effectiveness in a relevant environment. We are now advancing engineering, calibration, and broader field validation while seeking partners for this next stage of commercialization,” Dr. Powell added.

There’s growing interest in the technology from companies producing soil amendments and inoculants, as well as from the farming community itself. Many farmers, especially those practicing regenerative agriculture, are eager to learn how their management decisions impact soil biology over time.

Exploring New Horizons

In addition to its primary purpose, TIA is investigating whether the e-nose can monitor carbon cycling within the soil. Funded by the Tasmanian Government’s Agricultural Development Fund, this research could enhance the device’s role in supporting participation in carbon markets and emissions reporting.

The QUOLL e-nose represents a significant leap forward in agricultural technology, promising to empower farmers and enhance sustainable practices.