Effectiveness of Microwave Irradiation for Soil Disinfection: A Study on Sandy Soil

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal impact of microwave irradiation on sandy soil samples infected with bacteria and nematodes. Soil samples, each with a moisture content of $3.4 \%$ and dimensions of $15 \mathrm{~cm} \times 10 \mathrm{~cm} \times 3 \mathrm{~cm}$, were prepared and buried in a plastic bag at depths ranging from 5 cm to 20 cm below an irradiation applicator. A custom-fabricated microwave system, operating at 2.45 GHz (within the ISM frequency bands), was utilized for soil treatment. This frequency is known for effective water molecule absorption, making it advantageous for agricultural applications. The system included thermocouples positioned to measure temperature changes at specific points within the soil during irradiation. Each sample was exposed to microwave power of 700 W for a duration of two minutes, with fresh samples used for each trial. Following irradiation, samples were transported to a laboratory for further analysis. This research highlights the potential of controlled microwave exposure as a method for soil treatment and its implications for agricultural practices.