Microwave conductivity and permittivity of moisture laden soybean seed

摘要

Wave guide reflectometer and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) methods have been used to study the Ku band (13–18 GHz) microwave permittivity and conductivity of soybean seeds (Glycine Max). The percentage of moisture (M) was varied from 4% to ∼ 61% (fully soaked) calculated on a wet weight basis. The transmittance of the waveguide decreases and reflectance increases due to the seed. The real permittivity ɛ′ of the seed has a value of ∼ 2.8 and ɛ″ is ∼ 1.5 at ∼ 15 GHz. The permittivity decreases with decrease in moisture content in the seed.