Dielectric properties of black and red soils at microwave frequency

Abstract

The real (ε′) and imaginary (ε′′) parts of the complex dielectric constant (ε*) of soil with varied moisture content have been determined experimentally under laboratory conditions at 9.44 GHz using infinite sample method. The value of ε′ and ε′′ first increases slowly and then rapidly with moisture content. From this data, the ac conductivity and relaxation time are also reported. The result shows the change in electrical properties of soil before and after the addition of water. These results provide basis for using ground penetrating radar or other high frequency electromagnetic sensors in the detection of soil moisture content.