Abstract

Landmines are a major problem in many areas of the world. In spite of the fact that many different types of landmine sensors have been developed, the detection of non-metallic landmines remains very difficult. The objective of this contribution is to synthesize our work related to the effects of soil texture and soil water content on the detection of non-metallic anti-tank landmines using ground penetrating radar (GPR). We present a model for the prediction of radar response under a wide range of soil texture and soil water content conditions. Next we present measurements from field experiments in a sand and a silt loam which validate the radar response model. The spatial variability of soil water content in field soils may strongly decrease the effectiveness of GPR for anti-tank mine detection. Uniform wetting of sand and loam soils by irrigation or rain will improve the radar signal. Radar detection in clay soils will be most effective under dry conditions.