Considerations on measurement frequency of electromagnetic sensors for soil water content determination

Sheng, Wenyi; Ni, Wenfeng; González-Teruel, Juan D.; Xu, Jinghui; Jones, Scott B.; Robinson, David A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7290-4867. 2025 Considerations on measurement frequency of electromagnetic sensors for soil water content determination. Geoderma, 457, 117292. 6, pp. 10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117292

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117292

Abstract/Summary

Electromagnetic (EM) sensors are widely used to measure soil water content for different applications. The dielectric response of soil over the operational frequency of EM sensors in the megahertz to gigahertz range can be affected by a number of factors other than soil water content. It is therefore beneficial to examine the measurement frequency of sensors, for better understanding the sensor output (i.e., permittivity or circuit response), as well as its impact on water content determination. Previous investigations differed in measurement equipment, tested frequencies, and soil variables and hence found inconsistent conclusions regarding various EM sensors. In this paper, we try to provide comprehensive considerations on measurement frequency for EM sensing of soil water content, which could clarify sensor performance, selecting appropriate sensors, and designing new sensors.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117292
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Environmental Pressures and Responses (2025-)
ISSN:	0016-7061
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	electromagnetic sensor, dielectric permittivity, measurement frequency, soil water content
NORA Subject Terms:	Electronics, Engineering and Technology Agriculture and Soil Science
Date made live:	28 Apr 2025 10:25 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/539332

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117292

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Environmental Pressures and Responses (2025-)

ISSN:

0016-7061

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

electromagnetic sensor, dielectric permittivity, measurement frequency, soil water content