Soil Properties: A Tool for Remote Sensing

Soil, a vital component of various ecosystem forms the uppermost layer of the earth. The quality of the soil for agriculture is primarily decided by its physical and chemical properties whereas electrical properties provides a tool to analyze it for its moisture content. Using microwaves, the electrical parameters like dielectric constant, dielectric loss, electrical conductivity, etc. of the soil are determined.Soil of no two region show same properties. It depends on various factors involved during its formation, climatic condition of the region, temperature, etc. The soil samples are collected from Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India. The soil is analyzed for its physical, chemical and electrical properties. Microwaves of X band are used for electrical analysis. Electrical properties of moisture laden soil is also determined.