Optimization of a buried microstrip antenna for simultaneous communication and sensing of soil moisture

In bedded microstrip antennas have been previously demonstrated for use either as sensing elements or as components of a wireless communication system. This paper presents a method and dual use designs for simultaneous sensing of soil moisture and communication from the buried antenna to an external receiver. Using the genetic algorithm and the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method, the sensing band is designed to have maximum sensitivity to the moisture of the surrounding soil, while the communication band is designed to have minimal detuning due to changes in soil moisture. Single layer and stacked microstrip antennas are shown.