Application of a non-Linear Heat Transfer Model to the Microwave Heating of Agricultural Soils

Agricultural soil heating by microwaves is a cost-effective and efficient method to disinfect agricultural soils. By irradiating with an antenna and heating the soil up to pasteurization temperatures it is possible to kill pathogen agents such as pests, fungi, and bacteria. It is possible to calibrate the treatment with respect to the exposure time and temperature distribution. Here, a computational model to solve the non-linear multi-physic problem, including dielectric heating and heat transfer phenomena, is presented. The model takes account of the temperature effect of both the dielectric and the thermal properties of the soil.