In Situ Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Monitoring for Improving Cassava Root Quality

The quality of most root and tuber crops is based on the amount of dry matter content and relates inversely to the amount of water content. This research proposes to apply a novel approach to above-ground measurement techniques through the use of a non-destructive surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) system. This less invasive approach will measure water and dry content in cassava in different settings – laboratory, greenhouses, and fields – as well as across the growing cycle. Additionally, the project will explore increasing the sensitivity of the SNMR receiver and reducing the drive current required for the SNMR transmitter in order to reduce the size and power consumption of SNMR systems and make field deployment viable for farmers and researchers alike.