Electromagnetic Induction Sensing of Soil Dielectric Permittivity and Electrical Conductivity from 10 MHz to 30 MHz

Electromagnetic induction modality for soil sensing applications can result in higher sensitivity to electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity in the frequency range of up to 30 MHz. In this paper, we extend the analysis of a high-frequency electromagnetic induction (HFEMI) sensor, made with shielded printed circuit board coils, to the entire high-frequency range. We analyzed the HFEMI sensor experimentally in the laboratory and the field and verified the results using finite element analysis (FEM). In the laboratory part of the study, we measured the sensor response above a container filled with deionized water whose conductivity and permittivity were controlled by adding salt and sucrose. In the field experiment, the sensor response was measured above the soil irrigated with deionized and saline water. The results agree with the FEM analysis, and they indicate the possibility of the simultaneous determination of the electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity of the soil.