We present a method that enables, for the first time, quantitative assessment
of soil moisture content in the upper part of the root zone using remote
sensing. The data are obtained in a short time and at low cost. We present results
of measurements following water application at various cumulative energies by
Morin’s rainfall simulator. The method is based on the emerging technology of
millimetre waves, providing improved resolution of the subsurface concurrent with
surface mapping. Development and use of the tools described herein will make it
easier to understand processes occurring at the soil–water interface, such as soil
crusting, penetration, run-off and erosion. We emphasize the difference between
the suggested technique based on microwave radiation at millimetre wavelengths
with excellent resolution and microwave radiation with a wavelength of tens of
centimetres and thus reduced resolution. which enables, for the first time, quantitative assessment
of soil moisture content in the upper part of the root zone using remote
sensing. The data are obtained in a short time and at low cost. We present results
of measurements following water application at various cumulative energies by
Morin’s rainfall simulator. The method is based on the emerging technology of
millimetre waves, providing improved resolution of the subsurface concurrent with
surface mapping. Development and use of the tools described herein will make it
easier to understand processes occurring at the soil–water interface, such as soil
crusting, penetration, run-off and erosion. We emphasize the difference between
the suggested technique based on microwave radiation at millimetre wavelengths
with excellent resolution and microwave radiation with a wavelength of tens of
centimetres and thus reduced resolution.