ASSESSMENT OF THE DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF SOIL AROUND DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OZORO, NIGERIA

Abstract

An adequate comprehension of soil electrical properties not only facilitates the design and implementation of electrical and telecommunication systems, but also improves agricultural production. The goal of the research is to determine the dielectric properties of soil within the premises of Delta State University of Science and Technology (DSUST) in Ozoro, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from nine strategic locations covering an area of 0.5 km2 within the school (university) community. The dielectric constant (ε'), dielectric loss (ε''), and relaxation time (τ) levels of the soil samples were assessed following ASTM-approved procedures. The outcomes of the laboratory tests showed that the dielectric constant (ε') of the delineated area varied between 2.9 and 4.6, with the central part of the study area exhibiting the highest ε' values. Likewise, the soil's dielectric loss (ε'') values ranged from 0.8 to 1.15 across the area, with the soil in the central part showing the highest ε'' results. Furthermore, the soil's relaxation time ranged from 3.72 to 4.59, with the northern part of the region displaying a higher relaxation time compared to soil from other locations within the region. The findings of this study have revealed the heterogeneity of soil electrical properties, and the results will provide valuable insights into several agricultural and electrical engineering applications.