THE CHALLENGE

The cayur (Annona glabra) forest within the Punta Tuna wetland in Maunabo, Puerto Rico, is a vital ecosystem that plays a key role in the resilience of this coastal region. Researchers at the University of Puerto Rico identified that cayur seedlings were dying unexpectedly — and the manual sensors available to the research team were not providing enough data to understand the cause.

OUR APPROACH

With support from a National Geographic Society grant, PamLab partnered with biologists, ecologists, land managers, and citizen scientists from the Punta Tuna community and the Maunabo Development Association to co-design a low-cost soil sensing instrument capable of continuously collecting soil data. We facilitated co-design sessions where community members actively contributed to shaping the tool's concept and requirements.

WHAT WE BUILT

We co-created conceptual designs, programmed Arduino-compatible sensors, developed sensor fixtures and an electro-mechanical device, and fabricated pilot prototypes using 3D printing and in collaboration with a local machine shop. The resulting instrument allows for continuous, low-cost soil data collection to support ongoing research and conservation efforts in the wetland.