The Categorization of Soil Moisture Content in the Near Infrared Spectrum

A new shortwave infrared remote sensing instrument potentially capable of measuring soil moisture from space was designed, tested and developed. The atmospheric spectral information and target detection range for infrared spectroscopy was analyzed. In order to measure soil moisture using grating spectroscopy, a trade study of the Argus 1000 spectrometer components was performed. This provided the basis for the chassis and component modifications required so that the desired spectral region could be viewed. The laboratory methodologies for soil baking, radiometric and wavelength calibration, and spectral collection was developed and performed. The soil baking methodology produced an error measurement of 2.4 %. Spectral measurements proved well, resulting in the confirmation of the wavelength region 1964 nm in being able to provide potential use for measuring soil moisture content from space.