Leaf water status monitoring by scattering effects at terahertz frequencies

The applications of terahertz (THz) radiation for plant water status monitoring require systematic studies on interaction of THz wave and plants. Here, we present theoretical investigations on scattering behavior of THz waves reflected by and transmitting through a plant leaf under different water content. A theoretical model combining integral equation and radiative transfer theory is presented to fit the measured data. Good agreement confirms the availability of the model for water status evaluation when variation of leaf thickness and surface roughness is considered. We investigate the applicability of THz waves for water status monitoring in reflection and transmission geometries under different temperatures, salinities and polarizations. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A theoretical model combining integral equation and radiative transfer theory was used to fit the measured data on scattering behavior of THz waves interacting with plant leaves. The model demonstrated good agreement for water status evaluation with consideration of variation in leaf thickness and surface roughness. The study investigated the applicability of THz waves for water status monitoring under different conditions such as temperature, salinity, and polarization in reflection and transmission geometries.