Mahesh et al. (2026) Investigation of dielectric response of soil with varying physicochemical properties

Identification

• Journal: Plant Science Today
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-04-08
• Authors: S D Mahesh, B D Sushant, B I Ashish, B K Shailendra
• DOI: 10.14719/pst.10596

Research Groups

• Department of Physics, Janata Education Society college, Jalna, Maharashtra, India
• School of Humanities and Engineering Sciences, MIT Academy of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Shivaji Arts, Commerce & Science College, Sambhaji nagar, Maharashtra, India

Short Summary

This study investigates how the complex dielectric constant of soil varies with physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and texture) across different soil types and microwave frequency bands. It reveals unique frequency-dependent dielectric signatures linked to these properties, which are vital for improving satellite-based soil monitoring and remote sensing applications.

Objective

• To examine how the complex dielectric constant of soil varies with fundamental physicochemical properties, namely acidity/alkalinity levels (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC) content, and particle size distribution (texture).

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Soil samples collected from a specific location in India (20.5292° N, 76.1842° E).
• Temporal Scale: Not explicitly stated; implies a single sampling event for laboratory analysis.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Not applicable (experimental study).
• Data sources: Laboratory measurements of the complex dielectric constant using a precision automated waveguide-based measurement system. Soil samples of different colors (black, dark red, very pale green, pale green, reddish brown) were collected from India, and their physicochemical properties (pH, EC, OC, texture) were characterized. Measurements were performed at X-, J-, and C- microwave frequency bands.

Main Results

• The study demonstrated significant variation in soil dielectric properties across different microwave frequency bands as a function of soil color, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, and texture.
• These variations provide unique frequency-dependent signatures that establish an interrelationship between the electromagnetic behavior and the physicochemical characteristics of the soil.

Contributions

• Provides significant information for active and passive remote sensing by validating and investigating the dielectric response to various physicochemical changes in soil.
• Helps to enhance the capability of satellite-based soil monitoring and supports the establishment of relevant models for agricultural applications.

Funding

• Not explicitly mentioned in the provided paper text.

Citation

@article{Mahesh2026Investigation,
  author = {Mahesh, S D and Sushant, B D and Ashish, B I and Shailendra, B K},
  title = {Investigation of dielectric response of soil with varying physicochemical properties},
  journal = {Plant Science Today},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.14719/pst.10596},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.10596}
}