A technique for measuring the frequency spectrum of the complex permittivity of soil

Abstract

A technique for measuring the complex-permittivity spectra of moist soils in the microwave band with the use of a coaxial measuring container is proposed. A calibration procedure for the measuring waveguide circuit is developed. This procedure assumes measuring scattering matrices S of two empty containers with different lengths. Measurement errors are analyzed. Experimental results for the complex permittivity of a moist loamy soil at positive and negative temperatures are presented.