Affordable smartphone-based soil test developed at MacEwan University

Last year, researchers at MacEwan University unveiled Agrilo, an affordable colorimetric soil‑testing system that leverages a smartphone camera to interpret color changes in soil samples. Designed to provide rapid, on‑farm nutrient assessments, Agrilo can detect key soil nutrients—such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—by comparing sample coloration against a calibrated reference chart.

The system’s low‑cost hardware and user‑friendly software allow farmers to obtain real‑time data without the need for laboratory equipment or specialized training. By translating colorimetric results into actionable fertilizer recommendations, Agrilo aims to improve crop yields while reducing excess fertilizer use, thereby supporting both economic and environmental sustainability.

Agrilo’s deployment is expected to broaden access to precision agriculture tools, especially for small‑holder farms that traditionally face high barriers to advanced soil testing. The MacEwan research team plans to pilot the technology across diverse crop systems in the coming months, with the goal of refining the platform’s accuracy and expanding its nutrient detection range.