Microwave l-band (1730 MHz) accurately estimates the relative water content in poplar leaves. A comparison with a near infrared water index (R1300/R1450)

In this study the estimation of reflectivity at 1730 MHz (l-band), measured with a microwave digital cordless telephony (DCT) patch antenna, is presented as an easy-to-handle and non-destructive new method to assess the relative water content (RWC) of poplar leaves and filter discs at different levels of dehydration. The accuracy of this new method has been contrasted with the R1300/R1450 index, determined by a portable near infrared (NIR) spectrometer. The close correlations found between RWC and the reflectivity at a frequency of 1730 MHz, both for filters and leaves, indicate that microwave determinations are rather independent of the physical properties of the material analysed. On the contrary, the differences found between poplar leaves and leaf filters in the relationships established between RWC and the R1300/R1450 index demonstrate a strong influence of the properties of the material in NIR reflectance measurements, specifically as they relate to changes in leaf thickness during dehydration. It should be noted that the amount of energy received by the leaf for the microwave technique (0.1 mW) was much lower than that received for the measuring of the R1300/R1450 index (2.5 W). Moreover, R-square coefficients were higher for microwaves than for the R1300/R1450 index. The use of a technologically simple, low cost and portable device, based on a microwave DCT patch antenna, could yield a solid support for the development of a commercial apparatus enabling the determination of plant water status under field conditions.

Research highlights
► RWC of poplar leaves can be accurately determined by changes in MWR1730.
► Microwaves can be applied to other species with similar leaf size dimensions.
► The use of microwaves with smaller leaves needs other types of antennas.
► Microwaves could allow the measurement of RWC under field conditions in the future.