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Journal of Microwave Power
and Electromagnetic Energy (J MPEE) |
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TITLE |
Microwave Irradiation of Plant Roots in Soil [PDF] |
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AUTHORS |
D. H. Schrader and D.D. McNelis 1095 10 1 77-92 |
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Abstract A theoretical analysis of the
microwave irradiation process in an agricultural application shows that heat
may be selectively generated in small objects such as weed seeds and weed
roots in about the same ratio as that of the electrical conductivities of the
object and the surrounding soil. The time required for conductive cooling of
such small objects to the surrounding soil decreases approximately in
proportion to the inverse square of their dimensions. These objects may be
selectively heated if the conductivity ratio is favorable
and if the irradiation is done at high intensity before appreciable heat loss
can occur. The power and energy required for necrosis in root tissue due to
microwave irradiation are estimated. This estimate is based on an extrapolation
of known relationships between exposure times and lethal environmental
temperatures. It is concluded that the energy required for root tissue
necrosis decreases with increasing radiation intensity. |
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