Evaluation of soil dielectric properties using microwave non-destructive technique (MNDT) at x-band frequency

This study explores the dielectric properties of soil samples applied with AB mix nutrients across varying electrical conductivity levels using microwave non-destructive technique, MNDT. By employmg vector network analyzer, VNA within the X-band frequency, 8 to 12 GHz this research evaluates the dielectric constant, e' and scattering parameters, S-parameters of the soil samples. Results reveal notable difference in dielectric constant, 6' between the top and bottom soil layers, with the bottom layer showed higher dielectric constant, e' of 2.3184 due to differences In nutrient and water content. Pearson Correlation analysis showed strong negative correlations at the 99 % significance level between the real and Imaginary components of S11 and S21, with correlation coefficients as low as -0.899 for the S11 phase and 0.836 for the S21 phase. These findings highlight the effectiveness of MNDT system in soil analysis, providing a robust, non-destructive method for evaluating soil properties, particularly in agriculture and environmental settings by highlighting the impact of water content and soil compaction on dielectric characteristics.