Potential Agricultural Applications for RF and Microwave Energy

FOLLOWING definitions of pertiment terms and dielectric properties of materials, various agricultural applications of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave energy that have been investigated are reviewed briefly. Those discussed include grain drying, seed treatment, insect control, product processing, and measurement of moisture content. Practical aspects of a few applications are discussed, and needs for further information are identified. Development of density-independent microwave moisture measurement techniques for application to on-line monitoring of moisture content in granular materials is suggested for further effort.