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Dryad

Exploring the impact of varied background on quantification of soil carbon content using microwave and millimeter wave signal reflectance

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Apr 16, 2024 version files 4.84 GB

Abstract

The quantification of soil carbon content is paramount to the advancement of soil carbon management practices, serving as the bedrock for the development and implementation of various carbon-negative and carbon-neutral technologies. These technologies are crucial in the battle against climate change and in enhancing soil health to boost agricultural productivity.  Therefore, we employ an innovative sensor technology comprised of a compact array, including 18 pairs of radar transmitters (TX) and receivers (RX) within a microwave radar array sensor, alongside a configuration of 20 TX and 20 RX pairs in a millimeter wave radar array sensor. For this kind of setup to work, the sensors need to be carefully tested to make sure they can capture changes in the soil's carbon content over time and space.

This dataset presents an exhaustive series of raw data aimed at evaluating the efficacy of these two sensor technologies in detecting soil carbon content. A distinctive aspect of this study is the examination of sensor performance across four divergent backgrounds—glass, metal, sponge, and wood surfaces—to ascertain the influence of background material on radar wave reflectance and, consequently, measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the investigation extends to the analysis of sensing distance as a critical parameter for classification accuracy, with the microwave radar array sensor tested across distances ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches and the millimeter wave radar sensor evaluated at intervals of 2.5 inches, 5 inches, 7.5 inches, and 10 inches. By providing a comprehensive dataset on the performance evaluation of cutting-edge sensor technologies, this study aims to facilitate further advancements in the field of soil carbon management, ultimately supporting the global effort to combat climate change through innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.